Kashmir's Dry Spell Linked To El Niño Effect: Experts Valley Water Bodies Freeze
Predict A Mild Winter With Less Snowfall
Kashmir has been facing a prolonged dry spell for over a month, with minimal chances of significant weather activity until January 10.
Experts attribute the issue to a shift in weather patterns, suggesting that the valley is likely to have a milder winter this year due to the ongoing impact of El Niño.
The valley will likely experience more frequent and extended droughts in the future, according to experts, who claimed the indicators of climate change are evident in Jammu and Kashmir.
"Shift in weather patterns brought on by El Niño, a periodic sequence of climatic changes that impact parts of the Pacific region, has significantly contributed to the dry spell in Kashmir,” Dr Mukhtar Ahmad, Director Meteorological Department J&K, said.
“Drought-like conditions might arise in several parts of Kashmir if precipitation in January stays below normal. This happens when El Niño occurs,” Ahmad told Kashmir Observer.
According to the MeT Director, this is the longest period without significant snowfall since 2015. He said, “In 2015, the valley experienced its first major snowfall on January 24.”
El Niño and La Niña episodes, Ahmad said,
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