The prolonged dry spell in Kashmir is likely to end just ahead of Chille Kalan, with the Meteorological Department forecasting snowfall for higher reaches and rain in the plains. This change in weather comes after nearly two weeks of predominantly dry conditions.
An official from the Meteorological Department (MeT) announced that from December 18 to 19, conditions will range from partly to generally cloudy. There is a possibility of very light snowfall at isolated higher reaches of North and Central Kashmir.
The MeT further explained, “A more active western disturbance is likely to affect the region from the late night of December 20 to December 21. This will bring light to moderate snowfall over higher reaches of the Kashmir division and light to moderate rain at many places in the plains of Jammu and Kashmir.
As per the forecast, December 22 will see generally cloudy weather with light rain or snowfall at scattered locations. From December 23 to 29, the weather is expected to remain partly to generally cloudy, with light snowfall at isolated higher reaches predicted for December 30 and 31.
The MeT Department has also issued a snowfall advisory, warning that some higher reaches of Kupwara, Bandipora, and Ganderbal districts may experience moderate to heavy snowfall, particularly on December 21. The department cautioned, “Travellers and transporters are advised to plan their journeys carefully and follow traffic and administrative advisories.”
Meanwhile, temperatures across Jammu and Kashmir have remained above normal at most places. Srinagar recorded a maximum temperature of 10.6°C, which is about 1.2°C above the average, with a minimum of 0.2°C. Gulmarg reported a maximum of 8.8°C, nearly 4°C above normal, and a minimum of 1.6°C.
In North Kashmir, Kupwara recorded a maximum temperature of 10.8°C and a minimum of -1.0°C. Pahalgam noted 11.2°C and 0.4°C, while Qazigund registered 13.0°C and 0.8°C, respectively.
In the Jammu region, Jammu city recorded a maximum temperature of 22.3°C and a minimum of 11.0°C.
The MeT Department confirmed that no rainfall was recorded at any station in the past 24 hours.
