Finally, Snowfall may end dry spell across J&K

After the 40-day harshest period of winter, ‘Chilai Kalan’, passed off without any snow, the weather department has finally forecast precipitation in the Valley.
“Heavy rain or snow is likely over Jammu and Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh on February 11,” the national forecast of the Meteorological Department said, adding that heavy rain or snow was likely on subsequent days also — from February 12 to February 14.
“Fairly widespread to widespread rain/snow is likely over Jammu & Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh on February 12 and decrease subsequently,” it said.
The absence of a major snow spell throughout the winter had triggered an alarm in the region. However, the forecast might bring a sigh of relief for the people, especially farmers.
Even the Public Health Engineering Department, which is tasked with supplying water in the region, has directed its divisions to prepare for a drought action plan for the forthcoming months as water sources are depleting due to the dry spell. In the past more than two months, the rivers and streams have either dried up or are below the normal level.
Director, Meteorological Department, Sonum Lotus, said this was not the first time that a major part of winter had remained dry in Kashmir. “There are chances of rain and snow around February 11 and 12 in the plains and higher reaches which will get respite from the prolonged dry spell,” the official said.
“It is not the first time such weather has persisted. Earlier on many occasions, the Valley has seen such dry weather. We are still hopeful of precipitation as we still have 20-30 days of winter left,” the official said.

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