The prolonged dry spell in Kashmir is expected to end as Chille Kalan approaches, with forecasts from the Meteorological Department indicating impending snowfall in the mountains and rainfall in the valleys. This change in weather is anticipated from December 18 to 19, marking an end to nearly two weeks of dry conditions.
The official from the Meteorological Department (MeT) shared that over the next few days, weather patterns will shift to partly to generally cloudy conditions. They predict very light snowfall in isolated higher reaches of North and Central Kashmir during this time.
A significant western disturbance is set to affect the region from the late night of December 20 to 21. This will likely bring light to moderate snowfall over the higher reaches of the Kashmir division, alongside light to moderate rain in various plains across Jammu and Kashmir.
The forecast continues into December 22, with expectations for generally cloudy weather accompanied by light rain or snow at scattered locations. From December 23 to 29, the region will likely experience a mix of partly to generally cloudy skies. By December 30 and 31, weather predictions suggest more cloudy conditions with the potential for light snowfall at isolated higher reaches.
Snowfall Advisories Issued
The MeT has warned that some higher regions, specifically in Kupwara, Bandipora, and Ganderbal districts, may experience moderate to heavy snowfall on December 21. Authorities encourage travellers and transporters to plan ahead and adhere to relevant traffic and administrative advisories.
Temperatures Above Normal
In the meantime, temperatures across Jammu and Kashmir remain notably above normal. In Srinagar, the maximum temperature reached 10.6°C, which is approximately 1.2°C above average. The minimum temperature hovers around 0.2°C. Similarly, Gulmarg recorded maximum temperatures of 8.8°C, nearly 4°C above normal, with a minimum registering 1.6°C.
Other areas in north Kashmir report varying temperatures: Kupwara peaked at 10.8°C and reached a minimum of -1.0°C, while Pahalgam saw temperatures of 11.2°C and 0.4°C. Qazigund registered 13.0°C for its maximum and 0.8°C for minimum.
Over in the Jammu region, Jammu city noted a maximum temperature of 22.3°C, alongside a minimum of 11.0°C.
The MeT has confirmed that no rainfall was recorded at any station in the past 24 hours, but the forecasted changes signal a transition that residents welcome as Chille Kalan approaches.
