Jammu Kashmir is currently experiencing the effects of a Western Disturbance, bringing light to moderate rain and snow over the next 48 hours.
Snowfall is expected in higher-altitude regions, including Sadhna Top, Razdan Top, Gurez, Machil, Zojila Pass, Sinthan Top, Margan Top, and Peer Ki Gali. Light snow showers are also possible in Gulmarg and Sonamarg, including Gulmarg’s Phase 1 and 2.
Rainfall may extend to some plains, but no significant spells are anticipated. Temperatures are set to dip sharply in the coming days, with sub-zero readings marking the first freeze of the season in several areas.
The Meteorological Department has forecast a prolonged dry spell starting from November 17, expected to last for 7 to 10 days.
This period of dry weather is predicted to intensify winter conditions, with night temperatures likely to fall to minus 1.5 degrees Celsius in Srinagar and as low as minus 4 to 5 degrees Celsius in hilly areas such as Gulmarg, Pahalgam, and Sonamarg.
Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed, Deputy Director of the Meteorological Department, confirmed that the ongoing cold wave is typical for this time of year.
He noted that Srinagar had already recorded minus 0.7 degrees Celsius on the night of November 19-20, signaling the onset of severe winter.
A weak western disturbance around November 23-24 briefly improved conditions, but the overall trend of cold and dry weather remains unchanged.
Independent weather forecaster Faizan Arif pointed out that sub-zero temperatures in November are not unusual for Kashmir.
“Last year, November 20 recorded minus 1.8 degrees Celsius, so this is nothing out of the ordinary,” he said. However, he emphasized that the impacts of global warming are increasingly evident in Kashmir’s weather patterns.
As the region braces for a harsh winter, residents are preparing for freezing nights and prolonged dry conditions.