MeT predicts light snow in J&K higher reaches between Dec 13 & 17

Sub-zero readings in Valley, harsh cold in Ladakh, Jammu relatively warmer

Srinagar: The Meteorological Department on Thursday forecast light snow in the higher reaches of Jammu and Kashmir between December 13 and 17, while predicting mostly partly cloudy conditions across the Union Territory in the coming days.

An official informed the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) that December 12 (Friday) is expected to remain partly cloudy across Jammu and Kashmir. From December 13 to 17, skies are likely to be partly to generally cloudy, with very light snowfall possible at isolated higher altitude locations in north and central Kashmir, mainly during late night and early morning hours.

Looking further ahead, weather conditions from December 18 to 19 are expected to be partly to generally cloudy.

Between December 20 and 21, scattered light rain and snow may occur in parts of the Kashmir division, with isolated places in the Jammu division also experiencing light precipitation in the evening.

From December 22 to 25, the region is likely to remain partly cloudy.

The department also cautioned that shallow to moderate fog is expected to persist in several areas of the Kashmir division, along with isolated locations in Jammu, potentially affecting visibility during early morning hours.

Meanwhile, minimum temperatures recorded across the Union Territory on Thursday indicate sub-zero readings in several Kashmir Valley locations.

Srinagar recorded -2.9°C, Pahalgam -4.6°C, Kupwara -4.2°C, Pulwama -5.2°C, and Shopian -5.2°C. Zojila Pass remained the coldest at -18.0°C.

In Jammu, the mercury stayed above freezing, with Jammu at 8.6°C, Katra at 9.5°C, Banihal at 2.4°C, and Bhaderwah 1.4°C.

Ladakh continued to experience severe cold, with Leh recording -7.0°C, Kargil -6.5°C, Drass -9.9°C, and Nyoma -12.8°C.

Officials advised residents, particularly in high-altitude and fog-affected areas, to take necessary precautions against the cold and reduced visibility.

The department said it will continue monitoring the weather closely and provide timely updates to help authorities and residents prepare for changing conditions.

The advisory stressed the need for preparedness as winter progresses, particularly in snow-prone and high-altitude areas, where sudden weather changes could disrupt daily life and transportation—(KNO)

High Court of J&K, Ladakh declares Dec 20 as working day

Jammu, Dec 11: In a significant demonstration of its commitment towards ensuring timely delivery of justice, the High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh has declared 20 December 2025 (Saturday) as a working day for the High Court while December 27, 2025 (Saturday) has already been declared as working day.

This prompt decision has been taken following a communication recently addressed by the Chief Justice of India to the Chief Justice of the High Court of J&K and Ladakh. The initiative highlights the judiciary’s sacred responsibility as the sentinel of constitutional democracy and encouraging consideration of regular sittings on two Saturdays each month to mitigate the growing pendency of cases.

Acting in alignment with this spirit of reform, responsiveness and institutional dedication, the Chief Justice of the High Court of J&K and Ladakh has directed that the High Court shall remain fully functional on the said Saturdays.

This initiative sends a positive message about the High Court’s unwavering resolve to reduce arrears, enhance efficiency and uphold the faith that society places in the judicial system. It also marks the beginning of a proactive approach to address pendency and reaffirms the judiciary’s commitment towards fulfilling its constitutional mandate with vigour and purpose.(GNS)

High Court Announces 15-Day Winter Vacation for Courts Across J&K, Ladakh

Srinagar, Dec 10: The High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh on Wednesday announced a 15-day winter vacation for all district courts across Kashmir and selected courts in the Jammu division, as well as courts operating in the Union Territory of Ladakh.

According to a notification issued by the Registrar General, M.K. Sharma, as per news agency Kashmir News Corner — KNC, the winter vacation will be observed from January 1 to January 15, 2026 (both days inclusive).

The order states that the vacation applies to all District Courts of Kashmir Province, and to courts located in District Kishtwar, District Doda, and the courts at Batote, Gool, Banihal and Ukhral in District Ramban, and Bani in District Kathua of Jammu Division. All courts functioning in the Union Territory of Ladakh will also remain closed for the said period.

The notification further directs the Principal District & Sessions Judges and Chief Judicial Magistrates of the concerned districts to ensure appropriate arrangements for the disposal of urgent criminal matters during the vacation period within their respective jurisdictions. (KNC)

Drought concerns grow as rainfall deficit surges in J&K

Prolonged dry spell since Nov 5 leaves region with 86% rainfall deficit, falling Jhelum levels, heightened forest fire risk; minimal precipitation expected next week

Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir has entered a severe rainfall deficit phase, with the region recording just 6.1 mm of precipitation between November 1 and December 9 against the expected 43.1 mm, resulting in an 86 per cent shortfall, Kashmir Weather reported on Wednesday.

According to the data obtained by the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), the region has experienced a significant rainfall deficit between November 1 and December 9, with most districts recording substantially below-normal precipitation.

In the Kashmir Division, Anantnag received 10.7 mm against a normal of 43.7 mm (-75.5%), Budgam 7.5 mm (-77.5%), Bandipora 9.0 mm (-81.5%), Baramulla 5.4 mm (-87.7%), Ganderbal 4.8 mm (-88%), Kulgam 6.1 mm (-90.5%), Kupwara 14.0 mm (-77.4%), Pulwama 11.4 mm (-60.7%), Shopian 3.7 mm (-90.5%), and Srinagar 7.2 mm (-83.3%), resulting in a mean actual rainfall of 7.98 mm compared to the normal 44.7 mm, translating to a deficit of 82.1%.

In the Jammu Division, Doda recorded 4.8 mm (-90.2%), Jammu 6.7 mm (-71.5%), Kathua and Kishtwar both 0 mm (-100%), Poonch 3.5 mm (-91.4%), Rajouri 2.2 mm (-93.5%), Ramban 19.4 mm (-72.9%), Reasi 21.2 mm (-31.2%), Samba 1.0 mm (-88%), and Udhampur 7.6 mm (-83.1%), with a mean actual rainfall of 6.64 mm against a normal of 38.11 mm, indicating a deficit of 82.6%.

Faizan Arif of Kashmir Weather said the dry spell has persisted since November 5, with almost no rainfall across most parts of the Union Territory. “The prolonged absence of precipitation has significantly affected river flows, vegetation, and overall moisture levels,” he said.

The water level of the Jhelum River at Sangam has fallen to –0.59 ft, slipping below the zero-gauge mark. While this is not the lowest level historically recorded, it is among the lowest readings observed in recent years. “With no major rainfall or snowfall forecast over the next seven days, river levels could decline further,” Arif added.

The ongoing dry conditions have also heightened the risk of forest fires across many vulnerable zones in the region. “The combination of dry vegetation, lack of soil moisture, and daytime heating has created favourable conditions for fire outbreaks,” he said.

Regarding broader climatic drivers, Arif cautioned against over-attributing the current dry spell to the Madden–Julian Oscillation (MJO) or ENSO patterns.

“Linking the MJO directly to enhanced Western Disturbance activity after December 25 is misleading. Currently, the MJO is in Phase 8, close to the centre, and its amplitude is weak. A weak MJO has minimal influence on mid-latitude weather. Even if it lingers around Phase 8, there is no direct daily link to precipitation over Jammu and Kashmir,” he explained.

Arif added that while statistical studies suggest that certain MJO phases could enhance seasonal precipitation across Southwest Asia and the Middle East, this signal is probabilistic rather than a guarantee for specific rainfall events in the region.

Similarly, while some have attributed last year’s dry winter to El Niño, this year’s La Niña does not automatically imply a wetter winter.

“Atmospheric dynamics involve multiple interacting factors, including the North Atlantic Oscillation, Arctic circulation, the subtropical jet, Indian Ocean conditions, Eurasian snow cover, and internal variability. ENSO events merely tilt the odds for certain patterns rather than dictate them,” he said.

Minimum temperatures recorded today in the Kashmir region include Srinagar at -1.9°C, Gulmarg at -5.5°C, and Zojila Pass at -18.0°C, while Jammu recorded 8.4°C and Banihal 5.4°C. In Ladakh, Leh registered –5.5°C and Kargil –5.1°C.

Arif said Western Disturbances have already increased in frequency and weak systems are expected to affect the region intermittently over the next two weeks, potentially bringing snowfall to higher reaches.

“Given the prolonged dry spell of over 50 days, it is reasonable to expect some precipitation in January unless unusual conditions persist,” he added—(KNO)