After a persistent two-month dry spell, Jammu and Kashmir is finally braced for a shift in weather. The Meteorological (MeT) Department has forecasted rain and snow across the Union Territory starting late Saturday evening, December 20.
Weather Forecast & Timeline
According to MeT Director Mukhtar Ahmad, the weather system is expected to move in during the night of December 20, continuing through the afternoon of December 21.
- Higher Reaches: Moderate to heavy snowfall is predicted, particularly in the districts of Ganderbal, Bandipora, and Kupwara.
- Plains: Light to moderate rainfall is expected across the valley and Jammu region.
Safety and Health Impacts
The arrival of precipitation coincides with the start of Chillai Kalan on December 21—the traditional 40-day period of extreme cold.
- Official Advisories: Authorities in North Kashmir and Ganderbal have urged residents in high-altitude areas to stay indoors to avoid risks associated with heavy snowfall.
- Public Health: The prolonged dry spell has triggered a surge in respiratory issues, including flu and dry coughs. Doctors are advising children and the elderly to limit their exposure to the biting cold.
- Environmental Relief: The expected rain and snow are crucial for local water bodies, which have seen significantly diminished water levels over the last eight weeks.
Temperature Snapshot (Friday)
The gap between day and night temperatures is narrowing as the region enters its harshest winter phase.
| Location | Min. Temp (°C) |
| Srinagar | -2.1 |
| Pahalgam | -2.6 |
| Gulmarg | 1.0 |
| Jammu City | 9.9 |
| Katra | 9.2 |
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