MeT predicts rain, snowfall at higher reaches on Dec 21-22

Srinagar, Dec 16: The Meteorological Department on Monday forecasted possibility of rain, snowfall in higher reaches of Kashmir valley between 21st and 22nd December and few places of Jammu division, officials said.
Director MeT Srinagar, Dr. Mukhtar Ahmad told Rising Kashmir that from 21-22nd December, there is possibility of light rain and light snow over higher reaches at many places of Kashmir and few places of Jammu division.
“From 17th to 20th weather will remain mainly dry and between 21-22nd December, there is possibility of light snow over higher reaches. Although its intensity is very weak,” he said.
Dr Mukhtar said that there was slight improvement in minimum temperatures over many stations of Kashmir division due to cloudiness. Shallow to moderate fog is likely to continue till Dec 21 over many places of Kashmir division.
He further said due to a decline in the frequency and intensity of Western Disturbances, the Kashmir region has not witnessed any major snowfall this season.
“Western Disturbances, which are crucial for bringing winter precipitation to the region, have been notably weaker or less active than usual, leading to dry weather conditions across the valley,” he added.
The Director MeT further said that several factors contribute to this reduced snowfall pattern, including changing climatic conditions and shifting atmospheric circulation.
“The rising global temperatures and alterations in wind patterns have affected the strength and trajectory of these weather systems, impacting the overall precipitation levels in Kashmir. This trend has raised concerns about the region’s water resources, agriculture, and winter tourism, which heavily rely on consistent snowfall,” he said.
The 40-day long period of harsh winter called the ‘Chillai Kalan’ will begin on December 21 and will end on January 31.
Meanwhile, as per MeT data, night temperatures in Kashmir plunged below freezing, with Shopian recording the coldest at -6.3°C, followed by Pulwama at -5.7°C and Anantnag at -5.5°C.
Pahalgam registered -5.0°C, while Srinagar city recorded -3.4°C. Other notable temperatures included Kupwara at -4.2°C, Qazigund and Bandipora at -4.0°C each, and Kukarnag at -3.9°C. Budgam, Ganderbal, Baramulla, and Kulgam also reported severe cold with lows of -4.4°C, -4.1°C, -2.9°C, and -5.2°C, respectively.
A police traffic spokesman said that from the past 24 hours, there was slow movement observed on NH-44 due to breakdown of 03 HMVs, single lane traffic at Dalwas, Mehad and between Marog & Kishtwari Pather.
On Srinagar-Jammu highway, subject to fair weather and better road conditions LMVs and HMVs shall be allowed from both sides on the highway and TCU Jammu/Srinagar shall liaise with TCU Ramban for road condition.
“Subject to fair weather and better road conditions LMVs shall be allowed from both sides on Jammu-Srinagar NHW (NH-44) viz from Jammu towards Srinagar and vice-versa. TCU Jammu/Srinagar shall liaise with TCU Ramban for road condition,” he said.
On Srinagar-Kargil road, only one way traffic for LMVs with Anti-skid chains followed by HMVs (upto 06 tyres) from Srinagar towards Kargil shall be allowed on the highway.
“These vehicles shall be allowed between 1000 hrs. and 1500 hrs. No vehicle shall be allowed after cut off timing. Motorists are advised to carry anti-skid chains to gain more grip on the slippery road,” the spokesman said.
On historic Mughal Road, subject to fair weather and good road condition, vehicular movement shall be allowed only for LMVs from both sides viz. from Poonch towards Shopian and vice versa.
“These vehicles shall be allowed from Behramgalla (Buffliaz) and Herpora (Shopian) at 1100 hrs. upto 1500 hrs. No vehicle shall be allowed after the cut off timing,” the spokesman said.
On Kishtwar- Sinthan- Anantnag NH-244, the vehicular movement (only LMVs) on Kishtwar-Sinthan-Anantnag road shall be allowed from both sides viz from Anantnag towards Kishtwar and vice versa.
“These vehicles shall be allowed from Daksum and Chingam (Chatroo) between 1100 hrs to 1400 hrs. No vehicle shall be allowed after cut off timing,” advisory reads.