Kashmir braces for La Nina: Heavy snowfall and harsh winter ahead

Kashmir Weather: Early snowfall has caused temperatures to dip dramatically, with nighttime temperatures consistently hovering between 0°C and -5°C.

In Short

Frequent heavy snowfall and sub-zero temperatures expected

Early snowfall has already caused temperature drops

It will boost tourism but pose challenges for locals

Kashmir is preparing for a particularly harsh winter this year, with weather experts predicting frequent spells of heavy snowfall and sub-zero temperatures, largely influenced by the La Nina climate phenomenon.

La Nina, which occurs when ocean surface temperatures in the central equatorial Pacific cool significantly, disrupts atmospheric circulation patterns, often leading to extreme weather conditions across the world.

Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed, Director of the India Meteorological Department (IMD) for Jammu and Kashmir, confirmed that the La Nina effect is set to intensify as the winter progresses.

Speaking to India Today, he explained, "La Nina has previously brought significant snowfall to Kashmir. This year, it is intensifying, and we expect frequent snowfall spells and colder temperatures, much like the traditional Kashmir winter."

This prediction has led to expectations of above-normal precipitation in the region, along with colder-than-usual temperatures for Kashmir, Jammu, and Ladakh.

The Kashmir Valley has already experienced signs of the coming harsh winter. November, traditionally the onset of the cold season, saw three moderate snowfall events, primarily in the mountainous regions.

Early snowfall has caused temperatures to dip dramatically, with nighttime temperatures consistently hovering between 0°C and -5°C.

The weather experts are forecasting that the intensity of snowfall will increase as the winter advances, resulting in a more severe and prolonged cold season.

The region has been grappling with extreme weather variations in recent years, with long dry spells and increased temperatures, a trend that experts attribute to global warming and climate change.

However, this year, the La Nina phenomenon, the opposite of last year's El Niño, is expected to bring significant snowfall and colder temperatures to the Valley.

Last year, the active El Niño led to warmer temperatures and a lack of significant precipitation, but with La Nina's return, Kashmir is likely to be transformed into a winter wonderland, drawing tourists but also intensifying the challenges faced by local residents.

While the heavy snowfall is expected to boost tourism, with visitors flocking to the region to experience its snowy landscapes, the harsh winter will pose significant hardships for the people of the Valley.

The snow can disrupt transportation, damage infrastructure, and create difficulties in accessing essential services, making it a season of mixed fortunes for the locals. (India Today)