Srinagar, Dec 22:
After a relatively dry spell in the plains, the weather in Jammu and Kashmir is set for a brief shift. A fresh, weak Western Disturbance (WD) is expected to influence the region starting this afternoon, bringing the possibility of scattered rain and snow.
The weather over the last few days has largely followed earlier predictions. Despite the onset of Chillai-Kalan—the harshest 40-day phase of winter—the plains have remained clear of snowfall. Forecasters attribute this to relatively higher temperatures during the day, which prevented snow from accumulating at lower elevations.
While the major weather system has already exited the Union Territory, residual moisture and the new weak WD are creating a window for precipitation: Between Monday afternoon and Tuesday morning, North Kashmir and higher reaches of the Valley and Weather models suggest that if precipitation occurs late tonight or in the early hours of Tuesday, it may fall as snow in the plains, as mercury levels are expected to dip significantly after dark.
Although significant or widespread precipitation isn’t appearing on current meteorological models, experts aren’t ruling out localized “surprises.”
“The major system has moved out, but the moisture left behind by the earlier WD, combined with the new disturbance, could still lead to precipitation on the higher end in some pockets,” notes a report from Kashmir Weather.
Travel Advisory: While no major highway closures are expected from this weak system, authorities have advised residents in higher altitudes to remain cautious of slippery road conditions during early morning hours.
