A weak western disturbance is likely to affect Jammu and Kashmir on February 10, bringing light rain and snowfall at many places across the Union Territory, weather officials said on Monday. As per the news agency, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), there is no forecast of any major rain or snow activity over Jammu and Kashmir till February 20. However, light snowfall is likely at a few higher reaches during the night of February 9, followed by light rain or snow at most places on February 10.From February 11 to February 20, weather conditions are expected to remain generally dry, the IMD said, with only brief spells of light snowfall at isolated higher reaches around February 14 and February 17.
Independent weather forecasters said the western disturbance expected on February 10 is weak in nature and may cause only light precipitation, with moderate rain or snow at a few locations.
Another weak western disturbance is currently expected to approach the region around February 17, though its impact is also likely to remain limited.
“There is no indication of any major weather system for the remainder of the month as per current forecasts,” Kashmir Weather, a private forecasting agency, said in a statement.
Forecasters cautioned that the prolonged dry spell could result in a significant rainfall and snowfall deficit for February, which is otherwise a crucial month for winter precipitation in the region.
They added that such conditions may have implications for water availability and could also trigger early blooming of trees, particularly in the Kashmir Valley.