No significant snowfall expected in J&K, Ladakh until mid-January

Srinagar, Jan 5: There won’t be any major snowfall in J&K and Ladakh until mid- January, the Meteorological department officials here said even as unrelenting cold conditions persist across the two Union Territories (UTs), notwithstanding a slight uptick in the minimum temperature.

Both the regions have experienced a deficit in precipitation during November and December, particularly in Ladakh, which has been drier compared to the same period last year.

Despite an average rain spell on December 1 and 2 in Kashmir, no substantial snowfall has occurred, contributing to a milder winter so far.

Senior Meteorologist and Director of Ladakh's meteorological center, Sonam Lotus said that November and December were warmer than the previous year in Ladakh, with deficient snowfall.

He said that no significant snowfall was expected until January 15 in Ladakh, J&K, and the entire northwest region of India.

“In J&K, December witnessed a notable lack of snowfall, accompanied by below-zero temperatures during the night,” he said. “While J&K experienced an average rainfall of 18 mm on December 1 and 2, Kashmir has seen dry weather conditions since. Until January 15, no major snow spell is expected.”

Lotus said that the unusual weather pattern, characterised by milder temperatures and deficient snowfall, lacks specific explanations.

Kashmir recorded higher temperatures than usual in September and witnessed a significant deficiency in rainfall in August and September.

The current winter period, known as Chillai Kalan, began on December 21, with temperatures dropping several notches below freezing at many locations.

This period is expected to persist until January 29.

The unexpected weather conditions raise questions about the J&K’s climatic patterns, prompting residents to adapt to the unusual winter scenario.

Unrelenting cold conditions persisted across J&K notwithstanding a slight uptick in the minimum temperature, as Srinagar recorded a low of minus 3 degrees Celsius.

The weather forecast indicates generally cloudy and dry conditions over plains with a possibility of very light snow over isolated higher reaches in the next 24 hours. From January 6 to 7, mainly dry weather is anticipated.

Generally cloudy weather with the potential for light rain and snow over isolated higher reaches is expected on January 8.

From January 9 to 10, generally dry weather conditions are anticipated.

The MeT officials here said that while the minimum temperature in Srinagar was recorded at minus 3.8 degrees Celsius the previous night, the current temperature of minus 3 degrees Celsius remains 0.9 degrees Celsius below the normal for this time of the year in the city.

Ski-resort of Gulmarg in Baramulla district recorded a low of minus 3.5 degrees Celsius compared to minus 4.2 degrees Celsius the previous night, with the temperature 3.5 degrees Celsius above normal.

Pahalgam, in south Kashmir, recorded a low at minus 4.5 degrees Celsius, up from minus 5.1 degrees Celsius the previous night, and it remained 2.1 degrees Celsius above the normal temperature.

Kokernag, also in south Kashmir, recorded a minimum of minus 2 degrees Celsius, a slight rise from minus 2.4 degrees Celsius on the previous night, with the temperature being 1.5 degrees Celsius above normal.

Qazigund saw a minimum of minus 3 degrees Celsius compared to minus 3.4 degrees Celsius the previous night, with the temperature being 0.1 degrees Celsius below normal for this gateway town in Kashmir.

Kupwara in north Kashmir registered a low of minus 2.6 degrees Celsius against minus 3.9 degrees Celsius the previous night, staying 0.1 degrees Celsius below normal.

In Jammu, the minimum temperature was 5.1 degrees Celsius against 4.7 degrees Celsius the previous night, remaining 2.2 degrees Celsius below normal.

Banihal reported a low of minus 0.4 degrees Celsius, Batote 3 degrees Celsius, and Bhaderwah 0.2 degrees Celsius.