J&K set for real-time weather monitoring expansion

Srinagar, Dec : Director Meteorological Centre Srinagar, Dr Mukhtar Ahmad, said that Jammu and Kashmir is set to receive four additional Doppler Weather Radars (DWRs) to strengthen real-time monitoring and short-range forecasting across the Himalayan region.

Talking to Rising Kashmir, he said the new radars proposed for South Kashmir, North Kashmir, the Chenab Valley, and the Pir Panjal range will supplement the three existing DWRs already operational in Srinagar, Jammu, and Banihal.

“These additional systems will provide better coverage and more accurate short-range alerts, particularly during snowfall, cloudbursts, and severe weather events,” Dr Mukhtar said.

He said radars will be installed within the next 1–2 years, complementing the existing radars in Srinagar, Jammu, and Banihal.

“The new infrastructure, along with around 80 upcoming automatic weather stations and rain and snow gauges, will strengthen data collection, enable timely alerts for snow, rainfall, and floods, and support more accurate nowcasting, short-range, and seasonal forecasts across the region.

The MeT Director said the department is also undertaking a major expansion of its observational network.

“In the coming years, around 80 automatic weather stations, along with automatic rain and snow gauges, will be installed across Jammu and Kashmir to strengthen data collection,” he said.

Dr Mukhtar said the prediction system functions at various levels, nowcasting (up to three hours), short-range, medium-range and seasonal forecasts based on satellite imagery, radar inputs, ground-based instruments, and numerical weather models processed through high-capacity computers.

He said upper-air observations remain an important component of the forecasting chain.

“Every day, weather balloons are launched from Srinagar and Jammu to analyse the vertical profile of the atmosphere, and the observations feed multiple forecasting models,” he said.

Dr Mukhtar said the department has also improved its dissemination system to ensure timely updates.

“We share alerts through email to administration and media, and issue regular updates on social media platforms. Advisories are issued promptly in any snow or flood-like situation,” he said.

About prevailing dry weather, Director MeT said the previous winter remained largely dry until late February, followed by multiple snowfall spells extending into late March.

“Pre-monsoon activity was normal, except for higher temperatures in June. The monsoon, he said, brought heavy rainfall to the Jammu division, with stations in Jammu, Udhampur, Bhaderwah, and Reasi recording significantly high totals,” he said.

“Dry weather after the monsoon withdrawal led to increased pollution levels. Stable winter conditions trap pollutants near the surface, creating smog-like conditions until a major wet spell clears the air,” he said.

On the current forecast, Dr Mukhtar said no major weather activity is expected till December 19. “A weak Western Disturbance on December 13–14, and another on December 20–21, may cause light snowfall in higher reaches, while the plains are likely to remain dry,” he said.