Srinagar, Nov 30 – Parts of Kashmir received fresh snowfall on Saturday, with the Meteorological Department predicting heavy precipitation and prolonged cold spells influenced by the La Niña phenomenon.
Several areas recorded snowfall, including Baltal and Pahalgam (3 inches), Peer Ki Gali (1-2 inches), Sinthan Top (4 inches), Razdan Top (3-4 inches), Zojila Pass (4 inches), Minamarg (3 inches), Sadhna Pass (4 inches), Z Gali (3 inches), and Sonamarg (1 cm).
Dr. Mukhtar, a senior scientist at the Srinagar weather station, confirmed the onset of La Niña, forecasting colder weather and above-normal precipitation for the region this winter.
"The impact of La Niña will likely become evident by mid-December, bringing intensified cold spells and heavy snowfall," he noted.
La Niña, a natural climate pattern in the Pacific Ocean, is marked by cooler-than-average sea surface temperatures in the central and eastern equatorial Pacific. This phenomenon disrupts atmospheric circulation, significantly influencing global weather. In South Asia, it often results in colder winters and increased precipitation.
"The Valley should brace for a traditional, harsh winter," Dr. Mukhtar added, contrasting this year's weather outlook with last winter, which was dominated by the opposing El Niño effect.
He pointed to past patterns, where El Niño years led to precipitation deficits, while La Niña years brought more severe conditions.
Kashmir, accustomed to its freezing winters, remains vulnerable to La Niña's impact, with heightened risks of heavy snowfall and prolonged cold spells expected to test the resilience of the region in the coming months.
(With KNO Inputs)