Why does Kashmir valley gets more snowfall than Jammu Province ?

Snowfall: It is the type of precipitation in the form of Icy crystals. It occurs when the temperature of an area dip below from the freezing point which changes the rain to all Snow. In J&K, it is common during winters in Kashmir valley and parts of Jammu province.

Due to the following reasons Kashmir valley gets more snowfall than Jammu Province.

1.Topography: it is the important factor of snowfall variation in J&K . the Kashmir Valley is a bowl shaped Valley surrounded by Pir Panjal range from South and West direction and Greater Himalayan range from North and East direction . Upper Mountains of these ranges covered with snow in most of the part of year. During Winters when Western disturbance reaches the Kashmir Valley the cold air from these mountains blows towards the plains of Kashmir Valley and brings the temperature down below the freezing point quickly and snowfall occur in Kashmir valley in a good amount. In contrast Jammu province has a variation in topography, ( Plains in the South and Lofty Mountains towards North & East). It is surrounded by the plains of North India in the Southern side and plains of Pakistan Punjab province in the South Western side. Towards North it is surrounded by Mighty Pir Panjal range which is the source of cold air in Jammu province. During winters when Western disturbance reaches the Jammu province it takes more time to bring down the temperature below the freezing point due to the interference of warmth air from the plains of North India .

Note:- In Jammu province Snowfall is only received by those areas which are situated above the elevation of 1000M. The Snowfall is rare in those areas which are situated below the elevation of 1300M and Common in those areas which are situated above the elevation of 1500M.

2. Altitude: As we know the temperature decreases with increasing height. Temperature decreases at the rate of 1 degree Celsius after every 165 m. The altitude also determine the amount of snowfall. The areas of higher altitude received more snowfall as compared to the areas of lower altitude . In contrast the Kashmir Region Lies between the altitude of 1500M to 7135 M Amsl. The average elevation of Kashmir is 1800 m. While the Jammu province lies between the altitude of 247M to 6000M Amsl and the average elevation of Jammu province is 700m. In Jammu and Kashmir Snowfall is restricted to those areas which are situated above the elevation of 900M . Most of the areas of Jammu province situated below the elevation of 800M.

3.Latitude: Kashmir Valley Lies between the latitude of 33° and 35° North while Jammu province lies between 32° and 34° North ( Approximately). It is one of the factor of snowfall variation in J&K as most of the Western disturbances affectd the Northward areas. The intensity of Western disturbance determine the amount of snowfall and most of the Western disturbances affects Kashmir Valley and some parts of Jammu province especially Poonch, Rajouri , Ramban, Kishtwar, Doda and Parts of Udhampur and Reasi. The intensity of Western disturbance in J&K is more in those areas which lies towards North the latitude of 33°.

These three factors are the main reasons of Snowfall variation in J&K.

This Report of Snowfall variation in J&K, is prepared by Danish Hussain Shah ( Independent Weather Forecaster for J&K , Ladakh and Gilgit Baltistan)