Climate of Jammu & Kashmir

 

The climate of Jammu and Kashmir, unlike other states of India, shows some distinct characteristics. It ranges from sub-tropical to temperate and Arctic cold desertic climate.

Image -Pixabay

Climatic Zones of Jammu and Kashmir

The state of Jammu and Kashmir has a distinct climatic pattern due to its varied topography. It has hilly terrain with high mountains and valleys. The South-Western part of this state comprised of plains with low elevation. As the state is divided into three regions, namely, Jammu, Kashmir valley and Ladakh, all the three regions have a distinct climatic zone. These climatic zones are as follows:

1. The Sub-tropical region of Jammu

2. The Temperate Kashmir valley

3. The Arctic cold desert areas of Ladakh

Sub-tropical Region of Jammu 

This region has varied topography like plains, valleys, hills and mountains of Pir Panjal and Shiwalik ranges. This region comprises of Kathua, Jammu, Samba Udhampur, Riasi, Doda, Ramban, Kishtwar, Rajouri and Poonch districts of the state.

The South-West part of Jammu region has a typical tropical monsoon climate. The Southern parts record maximum temperature i.e. 45°C in summer season especially in June which is hottest month in Jammu region. During this period hot dry winds called ‘loo’ blow. January is the coldest month in winter season of this region. The mean minimum temperature of the region as a whole remains 3°C in January. But in this month the mean minimum temperature varies from -1.9°C in the Northern high altitudinal areas to 7.8°C in the Southern plains. Due to the Western disturbances, a much lower temperature is experienced during winter season.

The Temperate Kashmir Valley

The valley of Kashmir lies between Pir Panjal range and Western end of the Great Himalayan ranges. This region comprises of Anantnag, Budgam, Bandipora, Kulgam, Shopian, Pulwama, Srinagar, Ganderbal, Baramulla and Kupwara districts of the state. July is the hottest month in summer which records the mean maximum temperature in the valley of about 27°C. Usually, summers are pleasant in the valley with short duration (mid March to July). Winter season in the valley is very cold and of long duration (November to March). January is the coldest month which records

the mean minimum temperature about -5°C. In the winters, the mean maximum temperature remains 5°C.

The Arctic Cold Desert Areas of Ladakh

The Ladakh region is situated on the rain-shadow side of the Himalayan mountains

and has high altitudinal areas. It comprises only two districts namely, Leh and Kargil. March is the hottest month in this region which records the mean maximum temperature about 25.3°C and mean minimum temperature about 10°C. During April to October, the barren locations of Ladakh region remains very dry and hot. Due to having both the Arctic and desert climate, Ladakh is known as the Cold Desert. Due to its high altitude (3650 m), the Ladakh plateau records the minimum temperature ranging from -20°C to -40°C from December to February (in winters). January is the coldest month of this region which records a mean minimum temperature of about -14.4°C and mean maximum temperature about -2°C.

Local Names for the Seasons of Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh Region

Season         Local Term

Spring          Sont

Summer      Retkol (Grishm)

Rainy           Waharat

Autumn       Harud

Winter        Wandah

Ice Cold       Shishur

Rainfall Distribution in Jammu and Kashmir

Jammu and Kashmir receives about 103 cm of its total annual precipitation. The precipitation occurs in the form of rain and snow. The Western Disturbances bring heavy snowfall in the state during winter season. The heaviest snowfall occurs in the months of January and February. Rainfall in the state varies due to its varied topography.

Rainfall in Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh Region:

Jammu Region:

This region receives high rainfall. Riasi district (in Jammu) receives maximum rainfall (132 cm) in a year. The South-West part of Jammu region receives rainfall mostly during South-West monsoon season. The Northern and North-Eastern areas of Jammu region receive snowfall. The total annual rainfall of the region is about 136 cm.

Kashmir Valley Region:

This region due to frequent Western disturbances receives heavy rainfall and

snowfall in winter and pre-monsoon season. The total annual rainfall of this region is about 86 cm.

Ladakh Region:

This region receives very less rainfall. It is the driest part of Jammu and Kashmir.

Leh district (in Ladakh) receives the minimum rainfall i.e. 10 cm in a year. This region receives its annual rainfall from pre-monsoon (32%), South-West monsoon (29%), post monsoon (10%) and winter season (29%).

Thank You