After a prolonged dry spell, the residents of Srinagar woke up to a magical sight on Thursday with the season’s first snowfall gracefully blanketing the city in a shimmering white coat.

Kashmir: Heavy snow carpets across valley

<p>After a gap of over two months — and one of the longest dry spells —&nbsp;Kashmir Valley received snowfall in higher reaches and tourist resorts like Gulmarg, Pahalgam and Sonamarg. World Famous Ski resort Gulmarg was finally covered with a white layer of snow bringing cheer among the tourists and locals associated with tourism.</p>

<p>Snow has brought happiness to the faces of tourists and locals after Kashmir Valley witnessed a two-month-long dry spell. No snow at famous resorts like Gulmarg, Pahalgam and Sonamarg was leading to disappointment among the tourists visiting the Valley. A huge number of bookings were cancelled due to lack of snow. But with fresh snow, tourists were seen enjoying in Gulmarg.&nbsp;</p>

<p>''We are honoured to be here; my wife had planned everything regarding this holiday, and we were lucky to watch the snowfall. I would request everyone to come here to enjoy the valley and see how amazing and hospitable people are here. If you come here, you will feel that it's no less than Switzerland and everyone should visit,'' said Shirish Pandey, a&nbsp;tourist.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The dry spell in the Valley was becoming a huge concern for the authorities as it was leading to many issues like tourism visit cancellations, water scarcity and forest fires. The ski resort Gulmarg which was deserted due to lack of snow, has become vibrant again. There is a rush of tourists again in Gulmarg and some of them are saying that it's a dream come true for them.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/massive-security-breach-at-delhi-airport-leads-to-suspension-of-security-personnel-684632">Man enters Delhi airport runway in major security breach; CISF personnel suspended</a></p>

<p>''I consider myself to be lucky, to witness the snowfall. Watching this snowfall live is a great feeling. I think everyone should come and see this place as there is so much snow. Today we we finally got to see what we had come for. It's a heavenly feeling in the true sense. It's a beautiful place and everyone should come and visit it's the best time to come here,'' said Priyanka Pandey, a tourist.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Kashmir Valley's MeT Department has predicted that there will be light to moderate rain in the plains of Kashmir, and good snowfall in the higher areas. The officials&nbsp;said that there is a possibility of light to moderate rain/snow at many places in Jammu and Kashmir between January 30-31. The weather is expected to remain the same till February 3 and light rain and snowfall are expected in many places. Heavy snowfall is expected in higher reaches like Kupwara, Bandipora, Baramulla, Ganderbal, Shopian, Kulgam and Anantnag districts in the next two days.</p>

<p>The authorities said that due to the prevailing weather conditions, some of the roads have been temporarily closed in high-altitude areas. Sinthan Pass, Mughal Road, Sadhna and Razdan Pass, Zojila and other important routes have been shut for traffic.&nbsp;</p>


After a gap of over two months — and one of the longest dry spells — Kashmir Valley received snowfall in higher reaches and tourist resorts like Gulmarg, Pahalgam and Sonamarg.

After a gap of over two months — and one of the longest dry spells — Kashmir Valley received snowfall in higher reaches and tourist resorts like Gulmarg, Pahalgam and Sonamarg. World Famous Ski resort Gulmarg was finally covered with a white layer of snow bringing cheer among the tourists and locals associated with tourism. Snow has brought happiness to the faces of tourists and locals after Kashmir Valley witnessed a two-month-long dry spell. No snow at famous resorts like Gulmarg, Pahalgam and Sonamarg was leading to disappointment among the tourists visiting the Valley. A huge number of bookings were cancelled due to lack of snow. But with fresh snow, tourists were seen enjoying in Gulmarg. ''We are honoured to be here; my wife had planned everything regarding this holiday, and we were lucky to watch the snowfall. I would request everyone to come here to enjoy the valley and see how amazing and hospitable people are here. If you come here, you will feel that it's no less than Switzerland and everyone should visit,'' said Shirish Pandey, a tourist. The dry spell in the Valley was becoming a huge concern for the authorities as it was leading to many issues like tourism visit cancellations, water scarcity and forest fires. The ski resort Gulmarg which was deserted due to lack of snow, has become vibrant again. There is a rush of tourists again in Gulmarg and some of them are saying that it's a dream come true for them. Also read: Man enters Delhi airport runway in major security breach; CISF personnel suspended ''I consider myself to be lucky, to witness the snowfall. Watching this snowfall live is a great feeling. I think everyone should come and see this place as there is so much snow. Today we we finally got to see what we had come for. It's a heavenly feeling in the true sense. It's a beautiful place and everyone should come and visit it's the best time to come here,'' said Priyanka Pandey, a tourist. Kashmir Valley's MeT Department has predicted that there will be light to moderate rain in the plains of Kashmir, and good snowfall in the higher areas. The officials said that there is a possibility of light to moderate rain/snow at many places in Jammu and Kashmir between January 30-31. The weather is expected to remain the same till February 3 and light rain and snowfall are expected in many places. Heavy snowfall is expected in higher reaches like Kupwara, Bandipora, Baramulla, Ganderbal, Shopian, Kulgam and Anantnag districts in the next two days. The authorities said that due to the prevailing weather conditions, some of the roads have been temporarily closed in high-altitude areas. Sinthan Pass, Mughal Road, Sadhna and Razdan Pass, Zojila and other important routes have been shut for traffic.

Kashmir Valley receives snowfall, breaking over two months of dry spell

<p>New York City witnessed a historic moment on January 16 as it finally saw significant&nbsp;snowfall after a staggering 700 days. The event marked the conclusion of an exceptional period characterised by the absence of substantial snow, with Central Park reporting a layer of snow that broke the previous record set in 1998.</p>

<h2><strong>Breaking the 400-day record</strong></h2>

<p>The snowless span began after Central Park recorded 1.6 inches of snow on February 13, 2022. The New York Times reported that the record-breaking 400-day streak without considerable snowfall was officially shattered.</p>

<p>The National Weather Service confirmed an inch of snowfall at Central Park since midnight on January 16, with a total of 1.4 inches since the storm's onset on Monday (Jan 15).</p>

<p>This long-awaited snowfall brought relief to residents and added a picturesque layer to the iconic landscapes of the city.</p>

<p>While New York City experienced a prolonged absence of notable snow, other areas in the state, such as Buffalo, faced more severe snow conditions. The discrepancy highlights the diverse and evolving nature of weather patterns, influenced in part by the ongoing effects of climate change.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/kashmir-water-bodies-drying-up-due-to-long-dry-spell-authorities-worried-680229">Also read |&nbsp;Kashmir water bodies drying up due to long dry spell, authorities worried</a></p>

<p>Residents across various parts of the city, including Brooklyn, found themselves engaged in the task of clearing sidewalks following the snowfall over the long weekend.</p>

<p>The event also led to minor disruptions in public transport and prompted school closures in the northern suburbs, underscoring the practical implications of the city's return to snowy conditions.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Climate change: 2023 smashes records for surface temperature and ocean heat</strong></p>

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<h2><strong>Unusual snow patterns extend globally</strong></h2>

<p>Beyond New York City, unusual snow patterns have been observed globally. In India, regions accustomed to heavy snowfall during the winter season, such as Kashmir, Ladakh, Manali, and Shimla, have experienced an unexpected lack of snow during "Chilla-i-Kalan" the traditional intense cold period.</p>

<p>Weather forecasts predict dry conditions until January 21, leaving residents and weather experts alike puzzled by the deviation from the usual snowy conditions during Christmas and New Year's Eve.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


New York City witnessed a historic moment on January 16 as it finally saw significant snowfall after a staggering 700 days. The event marked the conclusion of an exceptional period characterised by the absence of substantial snow, with Central Park reporting a layer of snow that broke the previous record set in 1998.

New York City witnessed a historic moment on January 16 as it finally saw significant snowfall after a staggering 700 days. The event marked the conclusion of an exceptional period characterised by the absence of substantial snow, with Central Park reporting a layer of snow that broke the previous record set in 1998. Breaking the 400-day record The snowless span began after Central Park recorded 1.6 inches of snow on February 13, 2022. The New York Times reported that the record-breaking 400-day streak without considerable snowfall was officially shattered. The National Weather Service confirmed an inch of snowfall at Central Park since midnight on January 16, with a total of 1.4 inches since the storm's onset on Monday (Jan 15). This long-awaited snowfall brought relief to residents and added a picturesque layer to the iconic landscapes of the city. While New York City experienced a prolonged absence of notable snow, other areas in the state, such as Buffalo, faced more severe snow conditions. The discrepancy highlights the diverse and evolving nature of weather patterns, influenced in part by the ongoing effects of climate change. Also read | Kashmir water bodies drying up due to long dry spell, authorities worried Residents across various parts of the city, including Brooklyn, found themselves engaged in the task of clearing sidewalks following the snowfall over the long weekend. The event also led to minor disruptions in public transport and prompted school closures in the northern suburbs, underscoring the practical implications of the city's return to snowy conditions. Also watch | Climate change: 2023 smashes records for surface temperature and ocean heat Unusual snow patterns extend globally Beyond New York City, unusual snow patterns have been observed globally. In India, regions accustomed to heavy snowfall during the winter season, such as Kashmir, Ladakh, Manali, and Shimla, have experienced an unexpected lack of snow during "Chilla-i-Kalan" the traditional intense cold period. Weather forecasts predict dry conditions until January 21, leaving residents and weather experts alike puzzled by the deviation from the usual snowy conditions during Christmas and New Year's Eve. (With inputs from agencies)

New York gets first major snowfall in 2 years, while Shimla, Kashmir, Manali experience dry spell

<p>The dry spell in the Kashmir Valley has alarmed the authorities in Jammu and Kashmir. After the Kashmir tourism was hit by lack of snowfall at tourist places like Gulmarg, Pahalgam and Sonmarg, experts now say that the water bodies across the Kashmir Valley are drying up.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The water bodies in the Kashmir Valley are slowly drying up due to the longest 45-day dry spell in the Kashmir region. The water level in the river Jhelum has hit the lowest due to a prolonged dry spell in Kashmir Valley. The Irrigation Department of Kashmir Valley has said that River Jhelum was flowing at 0.75 feet at Sangam (Anantnag district) and 0.86 feet at Asham (Bandipora district).&nbsp;</p>

<p>''Water level has drastically decreased in the water bodies, fortunately, our irrigation season has not started and that's why it has not impacted us yet. If the same situation continues, we will have to sit with the agriculture people to see if we need to change the agriculture patterns in the valley. Our precipitation is zero deficit at the moment in all the 10 districts of the Valley. MeT has predicted that there can be a respite and we should pray for breaking the dry spell,'' said Viresh Kumar, Chief Engineer, Irrigation Department.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Several water supply schemes, which rely on springs, wells and other water sources, have either dried up or are experiencing&nbsp;a significant decrease in water levels.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH | No snow In Gulmarg this year, dry ground in Kashmir disappoint tourists</strong></p>

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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>So far this is the lowest water level in the Jhelum river in recent times. Earlier in 2017, the water level in the river had hit its lowest. The Valley has been going through a prolonged dry spell and this winter season, there has been very little snowfall, with&nbsp;79% deficit in rainfall during the month of December 2023 and a 100% deficit in January 2024 so far. The MeT department has said there is no major prediction of any wet spell in the coming days.&nbsp;</p>

<p>''Weather has been dry for the last 45 days and we are expecting that after 16th January there could be some respite in North Kashmir like Kupwara and Baramulla. The other areas will also receive some rain and snow although no major wet weather is expected in the coming days. Till the 24th the weather will mostly stay dry and after January 25th there are chances of wet spells. Glaciers are shrinking and the temperature is high during the Chillai Kalan (harsh winters) and dry spell&nbsp;will lead to the shrinking of glaciers. It will also have long-term implications like groundwater recharge, overall glacier recharge and agriculture and horticulture will be impacted as well. It will also affect power production,'' said Mukhtar Ahmad, Director of MeT.&nbsp;</p>

<p>People in different parts of the Valley are now holding special prayers and seeking divine intervention to end the dry spell in Kashmir Valley.&nbsp;</p>


The dry spell in the Kashmir Valley has alarmed the authorities in Jammu and Kashmir. After the Kashmir tourism was hit by lack of snowfall at tourist places like Gulmarg, Pahalgam and Sonmarg, experts now say that the water bodies across the Kashmir Valley are drying up.

The dry spell in the Kashmir Valley has alarmed the authorities in Jammu and Kashmir. After the Kashmir tourism was hit by lack of snowfall at tourist places like Gulmarg, Pahalgam and Sonmarg, experts now say that the water bodies across the Kashmir Valley are drying up. The water bodies in the Kashmir Valley are slowly drying up due to the longest 45-day dry spell in the Kashmir region. The water level in the river Jhelum has hit the lowest due to a prolonged dry spell in Kashmir Valley. The Irrigation Department of Kashmir Valley has said that River Jhelum was flowing at 0.75 feet at Sangam (Anantnag district) and 0.86 feet at Asham (Bandipora district). ''Water level has drastically decreased in the water bodies, fortunately, our irrigation season has not started and that's why it has not impacted us yet. If the same situation continues, we will have to sit with the agriculture people to see if we need to change the agriculture patterns in the valley. Our precipitation is zero deficit at the moment in all the 10 districts of the Valley. MeT has predicted that there can be a respite and we should pray for breaking the dry spell,'' said Viresh Kumar, Chief Engineer, Irrigation Department. Several water supply schemes, which rely on springs, wells and other water sources, have either dried up or are experiencing a significant decrease in water levels. WATCH | No snow In Gulmarg this year, dry ground in Kashmir disappoint tourists × So far this is the lowest water level in the Jhelum river in recent times. Earlier in 2017, the water level in the river had hit its lowest. The Valley has been going through a prolonged dry spell and this winter season, there has been very little snowfall, with 79% deficit in rainfall during the month of December 2023 and a 100% deficit in January 2024 so far. The MeT department has said there is no major prediction of any wet spell in the coming days. ''Weather has been dry for the last 45 days and we are expecting that after 16th January there could be some respite in North Kashmir like Kupwara and Baramulla. The other areas will also receive some rain and snow although no major wet weather is expected in the coming days. Till the 24th the weather will mostly stay dry and after January 25th there are chances of wet spells. Glaciers are shrinking and the temperature is high during the Chillai Kalan (harsh winters) and dry spell will lead to the shrinking of glaciers. It will also have long-term implications like groundwater recharge, overall glacier recharge and agriculture and horticulture will be impacted as well. It will also affect power production,'' said Mukhtar Ahmad, Director of MeT. People in different parts of the Valley are now holding special prayers and seeking divine intervention to end the dry spell in Kashmir Valley.

Kashmir water bodies drying up due to long dry spell, authorities worried

Before Afghanistan was left at the mercy of the Taliban, the country was promised aid from the Green Climate fund but with the fall of Kabul every channel of cash flow immediately stopped but what did not stop is richer countries contributing to the country's emissions.

WION Climate Tracker | Crippling dry spell grips war-torn Afghanistan

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