The prolonged dry spell in Kashmir seems set to conclude on the eve of Chille Kalan, with the Meteorological Department forecasting snowfall in the higher reaches and rain in the plains. This weather change marks the end of nearly two weeks of largely dry conditions.
An official from the Meteorological Department (MeT) confirmed that from December 18 to 19, weather conditions are likely to be partly to generally cloudy, paving the way for very light snowfall at isolated higher reaches of North and Central Kashmir.
“A more active western disturbance will impact the region from late night of December 20 to December 21, bringing light to moderate snowfall to the higher reaches of the Kashmir division. Additionally, light to moderate rain is anticipated at several locations in the plains,” the official added.
The forecasts indicate that December 22 will witness generally cloudy skies, with a chance of light rain or snowfall at scattered locations. From December 23 to 29, the region is likely to experience partly to generally cloudy weather.December 30 and 31 will also see cloudy conditions, with isolated higher reaches potentially seeing light snowfall.
The MeT Department has issued an advisory for moderate to heavy snowfall in some higher reaches of Kupwara, Bandipora, and Ganderbal districts, particularly on December 21. Travellers are urged to plan their journeys cautiously, adhering to traffic and administrative advisories to ensure safety.
Temperature readings across Jammu and Kashmir remain above normal in most areas. In Srinagar, the maximum temperature reached 10.6°C, which is about 1.2°C above average. The minimum recorded was 0.2°C.
Gulmarg displayed a maximum of 8.8°C, nearly 4°C above normal, while it measured a minimum of 1.6°C. In North Kashmir, Kupwara recorded a maximum temperature of 10.8°C against a minimum of -1.0°C. Pahalgam and Qazigund reported temperatures of 11.2°C and 13.0°C, with respective minimums of 0.4°C and 0.8°C.
In the Jammu region, Jammu city noted a maximum temperature of 22.3°C and a minimum of 11.0°C. The Meteorological Department stated that no rainfall had been recorded at any station over the last 24 hours.
