The prolonged dry spell gripping Kashmir is set to end, as the Meteorological Department forecasts incoming rainfall and snowfall just in time for Chille Kalan. This shift in weather patterns is slated for December 18 to 21, with a mix of cloudy skies and precipitation.
An official from the Meteorological Department (MeT) indicated that from December 18, the region can expect partly to generally cloudy conditions. Isolated higher reaches in North and Central Kashmir might see very light snowfall during this period.
From the late night of December 20 through December 21, a more vigorous western disturbance is likely to impact the area. This development could bring light to moderate snowfall in higher altitudes and light to moderate rain across various plains of Jammu and Kashmir.
The forecast continues with indications of generally cloudy weather on December 22, along with potential light rainfall or snowfall scattered throughout the region. Between December 23 to 29, weather conditions are expected to remain partly to generally cloudy, while December 30 and 31 might also bring light snowfall in isolated higher areas.
Snowfall Advisory for Upcoming Days
The MeT Department issued a snowfall advisory alerting residents that several higher reaches in the Kupwara, Bandipora, and Ganderbal districts could witness moderate to heavy snowfall. This weather phenomenon is particularly anticipated on December 21.
“Travelers and transporters should plan their journeys with caution and adhere to any traffic and administrative advisories,” the department strongly recommended.
Higher Temperatures Despite Weather Changes
In a surprising twist, temperatures across Jammu and Kashmir remain above normal. Srinagar, for instance, recorded a maximum of 10.6°C, which is approximately 1.2°C above average, with a minimum of 0.2°C. Gulmarg reported maximum temperatures of 8.8°C, nearing 4°C above normal, along with a minimum of 1.6°C.
In the northern part of the valley, Kupwara observed a maximum temperature of 10.8°C and minimum at -1.0°C. Pahalgam marked 11.2°C for daytime highs and 0.4°C for nighttime lows, while Qazigund recorded 13.0°C and 0.8°C, respectively.
In the Jammu region, Jammu city recorded higher temperatures, with maximums hitting 22.3°C and minimums at 11.0°C. Meanwhile, the MeT Department announced that no rainfall occurred at any station across the region in the last twenty-four hours.
