This winter, the picturesque landscapes of Kashmir, famend for his or her snow-covered magnificence, defy expectations.
In style locations like Gulmarg, Sonmarg, Tangmarg, Pahalgam, and Aru Valley stay surprisingly devoid of snowfall, making a serene ambiance with minimal vacationer exercise.
Satellite tv for pc photos from the European Area Company, analyzed by India Right this moment’s Open-Supply Intelligence crew, reveal a regarding situation.
From the northern reaches of Gulmarg, Sonmarg, and Tangmarg to the southern locales of Pahalgam and Aru Valley, these winter locations await snowfall, whilst Chillai Kalan, the historically harsh 40-day winter interval, is previous its midpoint.
Even in higher-altitude areas like Gurez Valley, the place roads sometimes shut in October, an uncommon absence of snowfall persists.
The Bandipora-Gurez highway, spanning 85 km, stays open as of January 9, offering entry to areas that may usually be snow-covered.
Gulmarg, a famend ski resort normally bustling with snowboarding lovers on its pristine slopes, now stands desolate, stripped of its normal winter attract.
Located at an elevation of about 8000 ft above sea stage within the Bandipora district, Gurez Valley experiences near-zero snowfall, basking in sunshine regardless of the winter season.
The Kashmir Valley has encountered a 79% rainfall deficit all through December, with little aid in sight, in keeping with the climate division. The India Meteorological Division’s forecast for Gulmarg predicts no recent snowfall and clear skies till January 15.
IMD scientist Soma Sen Roy attributes this anomaly to El Nino, a climatic phenomenon marked by elevated sea floor temperatures within the central and jap Pacific Ocean. El Nino considerably influences international climate patterns, together with these governing precipitation in Kashmir.
Roy explains, “The Indian subcontinent lacks a sturdy western disturbance that sometimes brings moisture from the Arabian Sea and triggers snowfall within the mountains. El Nino is a vital issue behind this phenomenon.” He predicts little change within the climate for Kashmir and North India shortly.
Climate specialists word that El Nino’s impression has been evident since November of the earlier yr and is predicted to persist into the approaching month. In Southeast Asia, El Nino normally ends in drier-than-average situations, particularly from December to February, accompanied by hotter temperatures.
The absence of the standard snow-covered slopes in Kashmir has left many guests disenchanted, significantly those that flocked to the area throughout the Christmas and New Yr vacation season.
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