After a prolonged dry spell, the picturesque Kashmir Valley is now draped in a stunning blanket of snow, courtesy of recent snowfall. The long-awaited precipitation is a welcome relief, uplifting both spirits and the tourism-dependent economy of the region.
The absence of snow during the 40-day-long period known as ‘Chillai Kalan’ raised concerns, attributed to the lack of strong western disturbances. However, as January-end approached, the landscape transformed, promising continued snow cover for the next several days.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasts three consecutive western disturbances affecting North India, bringing moderate to heavy rainfall and snowfall. From January 30 to February 5, regions including Jammu, Kashmir, Ladakh, Gilgit, Baltistan, Muzaffarabad, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand are expected to witness widespread precipitation.
Specifically, heavy snowfall is anticipated in districts like Baramulla, Ganderbal, Kupwara, Bandipora, Shopian, Kulgam, and Anantnag until tomorrow.
The impact of the western disturbance may extend to the northwestern plains, with the possibility of isolated to scattered rains in Punjab, Chandigarh, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh between January 31 and February 1.
In response to the forecasts, the IMD has issued a yellow watch (meaning ‘be updated’) for the Western Himalayan region today and tomorrow, along with an orange alert (meaning ‘be prepared’) for Jammu-Kashmir, Ladakh, and Himachal tomorrow.
Officials have taken precautionary measures, temporarily closing off roads in higher reaches and important passes, such as Sinthan Pass, Mughal Road, Sadhna and Razdan Pass, and Zojila. Travellers are advised to plan accordingly, while tourists and locals in places like Sonamarg and Gulmarg are urged to exercise caution.Additionally, farmers have been advised to withhold irrigation and fertiliser application, draining excess water from orchards and fields during this period.
Despite the disruptions, the cloud cover has caused nighttime temperatures to rise across Kashmir, with a further 2-4°C increase expected over many parts of Northwest India in the next three days.
In summary, the recent snowfall and the forecasted disturbances bring a positive turn for the Western Himalayan Region, which had recorded almost zero precipitation between January 1 and 29, resulting in a significant 99% deficit.