Why Kashmir and Ladakh are without snow this winter, its implications

Source-This post is based on the article “Why Kashmir and Ladakh are without snow this winter, its implications” published in “The Indian Express” on 17th January 2024.

Why in the News?

Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh which are the key tourist destinations in India have seen little rainfall or snow this winter, leading to a decline in tourist numbers this season.

What has been observed this year?

1) According to data from the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Jammu and Kashmir recorded an 80% rainfall deficit in December and a 100% deficit (no rain at all) in January thus far.
Note- Typically, the region experiences its initial snowfall in the first half of December, extending through most of January.

2) The decline in snowfall is associated with reduced western disturbance events and rising temperatures, signaling the impact of climate change.

3) Scientists propose that the ongoing El Niño event in the eastern Pacific Ocean may also contribute to this year’s observed conditions.

What are the Western Disturbances and its Impact on India?

1) These are large eastward-moving wind systems carrying rain that originate beyond Afghanistan and Iran.

2) They gather moisture from regions as distant as the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean.

3) These are the primary source of winter precipitation in the Himalayan region.

4) During the post-monsoon and winter months, Western Disturbances serve as the main rainfall source for north and northwest India.

5) Alongside the southwest monsoon (June to September) and the northeast monsoon affecting Tamil Nadu and other areas, they constitute the three major contributors to India’s annual rainfall.

What is El Nino and its impact on India ?

1) It is a climate phenomenon characterized by the periodic warming of sea surface temperatures in the central and eastern equatorial Pacific Ocean.

2) This warming typically occurs every 2 to 7 years and can have significant impacts on weather patterns around the world.

3) El Niño is part of the larger El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) climate pattern, which also includes its counterpart, La Niña.

What are the implications of Less Snowfall in Kashmir and Ladakh region?

1) Long-term implications such as reduced hydroelectricity generation, accelerated glacier melting, and a negative effect on drinking water supply due to diminished snowfall for groundwater recharge.

2) In the short term, it can lead to more forest fires, agricultural drought, and a decline in crop production.

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