Srinagar- Kashmir’s delayed snowfall despite prolonged sub-zero temperatures reflects climate variability altering the Valley’s winter pattern, experts said. They, however, assured that snowfall is likely in the coming days and stressed the need for sustainable practices to mitigate long-term impacts.
Professor Parvez Ahmad from the Department of Geography and Disaster Management, University of Kashmir, said altered precipitation behaviour linked to climate change has disrupted traditional snowfall cycles in the Valley.
“There is no need to panic. Snowfall is expected within the next seven to ten days, and the overall winter season is likely to witness a good amount of snow,” he said, adding that winter snowfall is crucial for sustaining rivers, agriculture, horticulture, drinking water supply and tourism, especially winter sports activities in Gulmarg.
Professor Ahmad attributed the changing trends to global warming, deforestation, rising pollution levels and increased emissions from vehicles and heating systems. He noted that the Himalayan region has been witnessing a long-term rise in temperatures alongside a decline in consistent snowfall patterns.
Hydraulic engineering expert and environmentalist Aijaz Rasool said climate change impacts are now being felt more sharply in the Valley. He warned that prolonged dry spells and reduced water levels in the Jhelum River could severely affect agriculture and horticulture.
He stressed that local interventions such as conservation of wetlands, pollution control and proper cleaning of water bodies can help reduce the adverse effects of climate variability, even if global climate change cannot be fully reversed.
Meanwhile, Weather In-charge at the Meteorological Centre Srinagar, Mohammad Hussain Mir, said December 18 and 19 are expected to remain partly to generally cloudy, with the possibility of very light snowfall at isolated higher reaches.
He said December 20 and 21 may witness generally cloudy conditions with light to moderate snowfall over higher reaches of the Kashmir division and light to moderate rain at many places in the plains. December 22 is expected to see generally cloudy weather with light rain or snow at scattered locations, while December 23 to 29 is likely to remain partly to generally cloudy. December 30 and 31 may again witness generally cloudy conditions with a possibility of light snowfall at isolated higher reaches.
An advisory has been issued stating that higher reaches of Kupwara, Bandipora and Ganderbal districts may receive moderate to heavy snowfall, particularly on December 21. Travellers and transporters have been advised to plan their journeys accordingly and strictly follow traffic and administrative advisories.
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