Climate and Weather of Jammu & Kashmir – Detailed Notes
🔹 Overview:
Jammu & Kashmir (J&K) has diverse climatic conditions due to its varied topography – from plains of Jammu to Himalayan ranges of Kashmir and Ladakh.
🔸 Climatic Zones of J&K:
| Region | Altitude | Climate Type | Key Characteristics |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jammu | 300 – 1000 m | Subtropical | Hot summers (up to 45°C), mild winters |
| Kashmir Valley | 1600 – 1800 m | Temperate | Cool summers, cold snowy winters |
| Ladakh | 3000+ m | Cold Desert/Arid | Extreme cold, low rainfall, dry winds |
🔸 Seasons in J&K:
| Season | Period | Characteristics |
|---|---|---|
| Spring | March – Early May | Pleasant, bloom of tulips, almond blossoms |
| Summer | May – August | Kashmir: Mild (15–30°C), Jammu: Very hot (35–45°C) |
| Autumn | Sept – Nov | Leaves fall (Chinar), golden landscapes |
| Winter | Dec – Feb | Heavy snowfall in Kashmir, freezing temps, Chillai Kalan |
🔹 Chillai Kalan (چلہ کلان) – Special Focus
-
Period: 21st December to 31st January (40 days)
-
Significance: Coldest period in Kashmir
-
Temperature: Can drop to -10°C or below
-
Followed by:
-
Chillai Khurd (20 days)
-
Chillai Bacha (10 days)
-
🔸 Rainfall Pattern:
-
Jammu Region: Receives average 1100 mm rainfall annually (monsoon-based)
-
Kashmir Valley: 600–900 mm, rain + snow
-
Ladakh: Less than 100 mm (very dry)
🌧️ Kashmir doesn’t experience a strong monsoon due to the Himalayas blocking moisture-laden winds.
🔸 Snowfall Areas:
-
Common in Kashmir Valley, Gulmarg, Pahalgam, Sonamarg
-
Drass (Ladakh): Second coldest inhabited place in the world
🔸 Important Weather Phenomena:
-
Western Disturbances:
-
Source of most winter rain/snow in Kashmir
-
Originate in the Mediterranean
-
Cause cloudburst, snowfalls, and floods
-
-
Cloudbursts:
-
Common in Ladakh, e.g., Leh cloudburst 2010 (major disaster)
-
🔸 Effects of Climate Change in J&K:
-
Melting glaciers (Kolahoi, Thajiwas, etc.)
-
Early blooming of flowers
-
Changing snowfall and rainfall patterns
-
Floods (e.g., Kashmir floods 2014 due to intense rainfall)
✅ Important Points for JKSSB/JKPSC:
-
Kashmir has a temperate climate, unlike Jammu's subtropical climate.
-
Chillai Kalan is the coldest 40-day period in Kashmir (Dec–Jan).
-
Western disturbances cause winter precipitation in Kashmir.
-
Rain shadow region – Ladakh gets very little rain (<100 mm).
-
Drass in Ladakh is among the coldest inhabited places on Earth.
-
Kashmir floods 2014 were due to intense western disturbances.
-
Monsoon effect is minimal in Kashmir; most rains come in spring/winter.
-
Tulip Festival happens in spring (March–April).
-
Cloudbursts are common in Ladakh, especially in summer.
-
Kashmir gets snowfall during winter, especially January (peak).
📘 MCQs for Practice (with Previous Year Patterns):
🔹 JKSSB / JKPSC Style MCQs
-
Which climatic type is found in Kashmir Valley?
A. Subtropical
B. Arid
C. Temperate ✅
D. Mediterranean
-
Chillai Kalan lasts for how many days?
A. 30
B. 40 ✅
C. 50
D. 60
-
What causes winter precipitation in Kashmir?
A. Cyclones
B. Monsoon
C. Western Disturbances ✅
D. Sea breeze
-
Which region receives the least rainfall in J&K?
A. Jammu
B. Kashmir
C. Ladakh ✅
D. Poonch
-
Which of the following is a cold desert?
A. Kashmir
B. Rajouri
C. Ladakh ✅
D. Doda
-
The Tulip Festival is celebrated in which season? (JKSSB 2021)
A. Winter
B. Spring ✅
C. Autumn
D. Summer
-
Drass is famous for being:
A. Highest rainfall area
B. Coldest inhabited place ✅
C. Densest forest zone
D. Rain shadow region
-
The 2014 Kashmir floods were mainly caused by:
A. Melting glaciers
B. Monsoon rains
C. Cloudburst
D. Western Disturbances ✅
-
Which is not a feature of Jammu climate?
A. High temperature in summer
B. Mild winter
C. Snowfall ✅
D. Monsoon rainfall
-
Cloudbursts are common in:
A. Jammu
B. Kashmir
C. Ladakh ✅
D. Kishtwar
📌 Previous Year Questions (JKSSB/JKPSC):
Q (JKSSB 2022):
Which weather phenomenon causes rainfall in winter in Kashmir?
Ans: Western Disturbances
Q (JKPSC 2021):
Drass is known for which of the following?
Ans: Coldest inhabited place
Q (JKSSB 2020):
Chillai Kalan is observed in which season?
Ans: Winter
If you'd like infographics, mind map-style notes, or PDF format, let me know. Message home academy on Instagram subscribe YouTube channel and Facebook page