Why is it in the news?

• Kashmir Valley and Ladakh experiencing an unusual and severe dry spell during the winter season.
• Gulmarg, a prominent winter tourism destination and ski resort in Kashmir, facing a lack of snowfall, impacting the local economy.

Reasons for Dry Winter

Western Disturbances:

• Western Disturbances, the main contributors to winter precipitation in the Himalayan region, have shown a declining trend. Only one feeble western disturbance event occurred in December and another in January, both without significant rainfall.
• Originating as low-pressure systems over the Mediterranean Sea, these disturbances influence weather conditions in the Indian subcontinent.

Temperature Rise:

• Unusual rise in temperatures in the region, with Srinagar experiencing comparable or even higher temperatures than Delhi with a typical temperature pattern impacting the typical winter weather conditions and snowfall.

El Nino:

• El Nino, a global climate phenomenon, has affected atmospheric circulation and may contribute to deficit precipitation in the region.
• Its influence on weather patterns can lead to disruptions in normal precipitation, impacting regions dependent on seasonal weather patterns.

Impacts

Short-term Implications:

• Increased risk of forest fires due to dry conditions.
• Agricultural drought, potentially leading to a decline in crop production.
• Early spring could result in a reduction in yields for certain crops.

Long-term Implications:

• Generation of less hydroelectricity due to reduced water availability in streams and rivers.
• Accelerated melting of glaciers, impacting water resources in the region.
• Adverse effects on drinking water supply as scanty snowfall results in minimal recharge of groundwater.