The dry spell across Kashmir is likely to conclude just before Chille Kalan, marking the onset of a significant weather change. The Meteorological Department (MeT) has predicted snowfall over the higher reaches and rain in the plains following nearly two weeks of dry weather.
According to an official from the MeT, the region can expect weather conditions from December 18 to 19 to remain partly to generally cloudy, with isolated spots in North and Central Kashmir anticipating very light snowfall.
“A more dynamic western disturbance will impact the region late at night on December 20 into December 21, bringing light to moderate snowfall in the higher reaches and light to moderate rain across many areas in Jammu and Kashmir,” the official stated.
Following this front, December 22 is likely to feature generally cloudy conditions with scattered light rain or snowfall. The weather from December 23 to 29 should also range from partly to generally cloudy, while December 30 and 31 may see the return of isolated higher reach snowfall.
Snowfall Advisory Activated
The MeT Department has issued a snowfall advisory indicating that areas in Kupwara, Bandipora, and Ganderbal districts may experience moderate to heavy snowfall, especially on December 21. Travelers and transporters are urged to plan their journeys prudently and heed traffic and administrative advisories to ensure safety.
Above-Normal Temperatures Persist
In the meantime, temperatures across Jammu and Kashmir have remained on the higher side. Srinagar noted a maximum of 10.6°C, which is approximately 1.2°C above the average, with a minimum of 0.2°C. Gulmarg reported a maximum of 8.8°C, almost 4°C above normal, and a minimum of 1.6°C.
Northern Kashmir areas saw similar trends, with Kupwara peaking at 10.8°C and a minimum of -1.0°C. Pahalgam experienced a maximum of 11.2°C and a minimum of 0.4°C, while Qazigund reached 13.0°C with a minimum of 0.8°C. Meanwhile, the Jammu region recorded a maximum of 22.3°C and a minimum of 11.0°C in Jammu city.
Despite the shift in weather forecasts, no rainfall was recorded at any station in Kashmir over the past 24 hours, indicating the climate’s transitional nature ahead of Chille Kalan.
