Snowfall in Kashmir Ends Dry Spell, Provides Relief from Extreme Cold
Srinagar: A fresh spell of snowfall on Friday afternoon brought much-needed relief to Kashmir, ending a prolonged four-month dry period and alleviating the bone-chilling cold that had gripped the region. The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) had forecast scattered snowfall across Kashmir, widespread rains in Jammu, and snowfall in the higher reaches of the Chenab Valley. The IMD indicated that the weather conditions would persist until Saturday afternoon.
The snowfall, however, caused disruptions, with the Mughal Road, which connects the Kashmir Valley to Rajouri and Poonch districts, being closed. Similarly, the Sinthan-Kishtwar road was shut down due to hazardous conditions and the risk of landslides. Despite these challenges, the snow was welcomed by residents as it ended the recent spell of subzero temperatures. Over the past ten days, temperatures had plummeted below freezing in several regions, with South Kashmir’s Shopian and Pulwama districts experiencing more severe cold than traditionally colder places like Gulmarg and Pahalgam.
Kashmir’s ongoing cold wave was compounded by an 81% rainfall deficit, with only 21 mm of rainfall recorded from October 1 to December 25, 2024, compared to the normal of 110 mm. This prolonged dry spell significantly affected the region, with South Kashmir’s Shopian district experiencing a drastic 97% rainfall shortage. Other areas, such as Poonch and Kulgam, reported similar deficiencies. Srinagar, the summer capital, saw an 88% shortfall, while districts like Pulwama and Kishtwar recorded deficits of 92%.
However, the situation was slightly better in Kupwara, North Kashmir, which experienced less than 50% of the usual rainfall. The only district to exceed expected rainfall levels was Samba, in Jammu division, with a slight surplus of 4.8 mm.
This recent snowfall brings hope for improved weather conditions and better prospects for the region’s agriculture and daily life.
