Kashmir Faces Prolonged Dry Spell and Cold Wave, Experts Attribute Weather Shift to Changing Climate

Kashmir Faces Prolonged Dry Spell and Cold Wave, Experts Attribute Weather Shift to Changing Climate

Asif Iqbal | January 4, 2024 | 11:04 PM IST | Kashmir, Weather | Follow on Google News

Kashmir Faces Prolonged Dry Spell and Cold Wave, Experts Attribute Weather Shift to Changing Climate.image/KL

Kashmir Faces Prolonged Dry Spell and Cold Wave, Experts Attribute Weather Shift to Changing Climate

Kashmir has been grappling with an extended dry period lasting more than a month, and the meteorological department anticipates minimal chances of significant weather changes until January 10. The persistent extreme cold-wave conditions have resulted in frozen water supply pipes in various parts of the region, compounding the difficulties faced by the local population. Notably, December experienced a substantial 79% deficit in rainfall, intensifying the prevailing cold conditions. Most flat areas of Kashmir have not seen any snowfall, and the higher elevations received below-average snowfall by the end of December. The absence of cloud cover has further heightened the cold, particularly in Srinagar.

The prolonged dry spell in the Kashmir Valley is being termed a shift in the precipitation regime by local experts. They believe that human influence on this change and shift is minimal. Dr. Muhammad Muslim, Assistant Professor at Kashmir University’s Environmental Sciences department, emphasized that there are clear indications of climate change based on past data. He stated, “As far as the precipitation regime is concerned, it is evident that we are not only experiencing a decrease in precipitation, but there is also a shift in the precipitation regime as well.” Dr. Muslim highlighted a noticeable shift in winter precipitation, suggesting that precipitation is decreasing across India and in Kashmir, but the trend is not as significant in the latter.

Dr. Sami-ullah Bhat, Senior Assistant Professor at Kashmir University’s Environmental Sciences department, explained that the pattern of precipitation is influenced by factors like wind and cloud directions. However, he asserted that human control over these factors is limited, and natural magnitudes outweigh human interference.

Independent Weather Forecaster Faizan Arif Keng dismissed attributing this year’s dry spell to the El Niño effect, pointing out that the previous year experienced La Niña, yet conditions remained the same in December. He stressed the need for thorough research to identify various factors influencing the weather in Jammu and Kashmir.

As the shivering cold persists across the Valley, a thin layer of ice has formed over the renowned Dal Lake. Temperature data reveals that Pahalgam in South Kashmir was the coldest at minus 5.1 degrees Celsius, followed by Gulmarg at minus 4.2 degrees Celsius. Srinagar recorded minus 3.8 degrees Celsius, and Qazigund in South Kashmir marked a low of minus 3.4 degrees Celsius.

The weather forecast indicates generally cloudy and dry conditions over plains with a possibility of very light snow in isolated extreme higher reaches in the next 24 hours. Furthermore, the Director of the Meteorological Department, Dr. Mukhtar Ahmad, anticipates mainly dry weather from January 6 to 7th evening, with generally cloudy weather and a chance of light snow over isolated higher reaches on January 8. The conditions are expected to remain generally dry on January 9-10.

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Asif Iqbal

Asif Iqbal is a seasoned news writer with a passion for delivering the latest updates to the public. Currently serving as the senior writer at VoM News, a prominent news outlet known for its comprehensive coverage of diverse topics, Asif has established himself as a reliable source of information. With a keen eye for detail and a knack for storytelling, he consistently provides readers with well-crafted articles that cover a wide range of news categories. His dedication to journalistic integrity and his commitment to staying ahead of the news curve make him an invaluable asset to Vom News, ensuring that readers are always well-informed on the issues that matter most. You can find his work and stay updated on current events by visiting vomnews.in.