The prolonged dry spell in Kashmir is set to end as weather forecasts predict snowfall and rain just ahead of Chille Kalan. On December 18 and 19, the Meteorological Department (MeT) anticipates light snowfall in the higher reaches and rain in the plains after a nearly two-week dry period.
An official from the MeT stated that weather conditions will be partly to generally cloudy, suggesting a shift in the weather pattern. The forecast indicates that a more active western disturbance will affect the region from the late night of December 20 to 21. This will likely bring light to moderate snowfall over higher reaches of the Kashmir division and light to moderate rain at many places in the plains.
Following these developments, December 22 is also expected to bring generally cloudy skies, with light rain or snowfall likely at scattered locations. The weather is projected to be partly to generally cloudy from December 23 to 29, while further cloudy conditions with chances of light snowfall at isolated higher reaches are possible on December 30 and 31.
Snowfall Advisory Issued
The MeT Department has released a snowfall advisory, warning that several higher reaches of the Kupwara, Bandipora, and Ganderbal districts could see moderate to heavy snowfall, particularly on December 21. Local travelers and transporters should plan their journeys accordingly and heed traffic and administrative advisories to ensure safety amidst changing weather conditions.
Temperatures Remain Above Normal
In terms of temperatures, Jammu and Kashmir has experienced warmer-than-usual conditions. Srinagar recorded a maximum temperature of 10.6°C, exceeding the seasonal average by 1.2°C, with a minimum temperature of 0.2°C. Meanwhile, Gulmarg noted highs of 8.8°C, almost 4°C above normal, along with a minimum of 1.6°C.
North Kashmir saw Kupwara reaching a maximum of 10.8°C and a minimum of -1.0°C. Similarly, Pahalgam recorded peak temperatures of 11.2°C and lows of 0.4°C, whereas Qazigund noted 13.0°C and 0.8°C, respectively.
The Jammu region also reported warmer conditions, with the city experiencing a maximum temperature of 22.3°C and a minimum of 11.0°C. The MeT Department confirmed that no rainfall occurred across any of the stations during the past 24 hours, highlighting the need for attention as impending weather shifts are on the horizon.
