Climate of Jammu and Kashmir UT

The Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir represents one of the most complex meteorological intersections in the world, characterized by a vertical zonation of climate that ranges from the humid subtropical heat of the southern plains to the arctic cold of the high Himalayan peaks. 

For candidates preparing for the Jammu and Kashmir Services Selection Board (JKSSB) examinations, the study of climate is not merely an exercise in memorizing temperature ranges; it is an exploration of the fundamental forces that dictate the region’s agriculture, economy, and ecological stability. These notes serves as a comprehensive, expert-level analysis of the climatic dynamics of Jammu and Kashmir, integrating historical normals with critical current affairs and government policy shifts observed between 2022 and 2026.   

Geographical Foundations and Climatic Determinants

The climate of Jammu and Kashmir is fundamentally a product of its unique physiographic layout. Situated between latitudes 32^O17′ N to 36^O58′ N and longitudes 73^O26′ E to 80^O30′ E, the region occupies a strategic position in the Western Himalayas. The primary determinants of its climate are altitude, latitude, and the massive orographic barriers formed by the Himalayan ranges.   

The Role of Orography

The mountains surrounding the territory act as climatic regulators. The Pir Panjal range, with elevations between 1,800 and 3,600 meters, serves as the first major barrier for the Southwest Monsoon, preventing the heavy moisture of the Indian plains from fully penetrating the Kashmir Valley. North of the valley, the Greater Himalayas provide an even more formidable shield, creating a rain-shadow effect that results in the cold desert conditions of Ladakh. This verticality means that for every 1,000 meters of ascent, the temperature drops by approximately 6.5^OC, a lapse rate that creates distinct micro-climatic pockets across the Union Territory.   

Weather versus Climate: A Conceptual Framework

In the context of JKSSB preparation, it is essential to distinguish between weather and climate. Climate represents the long-term average of atmospheric conditions—typically calculated over a 35-year period—while weather describes the state of the atmosphere at a specific moment in time. The UT is defined by three primary climatic zones:   

• The Subtropical Zone: Comprising the Jammu plains and lower hills.   
• The Temperate Zone: Encompassing the Kashmir Valley and higher reaches of Jammu like Doda and Kishtwar.   
• The Arctic Cold Desert: Covering the high-altitude plateau of Ladakh.   

Regional Climatic Profiles: Jammu, Kashmir, and Ladakh

The Union Territory exhibits a sharp climatic divide between its two administrative divisions, dictated largely by their respective distances from the sea and their relative altitudes.   

The Subtropical Jammu Division

The Jammu region is generally the hottest part of the Union Territory. The southern districts, including Jammu, Samba, and Kathua, experience a climate comparable to the Punjab plains. Summers are characterized by intense heat and the arrival of the Southwest Monsoon in mid-June.   

A critical feature of the Jammu summer is the “Loo,” a hot and dry wind that blows through the plains in May and June, often leading to temperatures as high as 45^OC. Conversely, the “Dadu,” a cool night-time breeze from the Shivalik Mountains, provides localized relief to the city. Winter in Jammu is mild but can be disrupted by “Dhund” (mist) and “Kohra” (fog) in January, which significantly reduces visibility.   

The Temperate Kashmir Valley

The Kashmir Valley possesses a temperate climate that is globally renowned for its mild summers and bracing winters. Unlike Jammu, the Valley receives the majority of its annual precipitation from Western Disturbances rather than the summer monsoon. July is historically the hottest month, with temperatures reaching up to 35^OC at Srinagar, although the mean maximum is generally around 30^OC.   

In the Valley, the winter is long and severe, extending from November to February. January is the coldest month, with mean minimum temperatures frequently dropping to −5^OC. The Valley’s geography—a wide floor surrounded by high mountains—allows for the entrapment of cold air, leading to the formation of persistent fog and heavy snowfall.   

The Cold Desert of Ladakh

Ladakh, characterized as a high-altitude cold desert, is located at an average elevation of 5,000 meters. The region experiences extreme aridity because the Greater Himalayas prevent the entry of moisture-laden winds. Summers are short and can be oppressive due to high solar radiation, while winters are long, dry, and bitterly cold. Precipitation is minimal, often less than 10 cm per year, falling almost exclusively as snow.   

The Traditional Seasonal Cycle: The Indigenous Kashmiri Calendar

The cultural and agricultural life of the Kashmir Valley is dictated by a traditional cycle of six seasons, each spanning approximately two months. This indigenous knowledge is a high-yield area for JKSSB aspirants, as it frequently appears in the General Knowledge section of competitive papers.   

The Phenological Significance of Harud

“Harud” is perhaps the most striking season in the Valley. It marks a transition from the warm, subtropical influences of summer to the temperate winters. The air becomes drier, and the skies clear, providing maximum sunshine hours that are essential for the ripening of walnuts, almonds, and apples. The iconic flowering of Saffron in the Karewas of Pampore occurs during the latter part of October, which is also the time when trees like the Chinar (Maple) shed their leaves after turning vibrant shades of red and gold.   

The Three Stages of Winter: Chillai Kalan, Khurd, and Bachha

The harshness of the Kashmiri winter is traditionally categorized into three specific periods of cold, totaling 70 days. These periods are not merely cultural markers but are essential for understanding the hydrological health of the region.   

1. Chillai Kalan (The Great Cold): This 40-day period begins on December 21 and ends on January 30. It is characterized by the most intense cold and the highest frequency of heavy snowfall. Snowfall during Chillai Kalan is critical because the persistent sub-zero temperatures allow the snow to consolidate into hard ice and glaciers in the higher reaches, which then act as a slow-release water source for rivers during the summer.   
2. Chillai Khurd (The Small Cold): Lasting 20 days from January 31 to February 19, this period sees a slight moderation in cold, although significant snowfall can still occur.   
3. Chillai Bachha (The Baby Cold): The final 10 days of the cycle, ending in early March. During this time, the intensity of the winter breaks, and the spring thaw begins in the lower elevations.   

Western Disturbances: The Engine of North Indian Climate

Western Disturbances (WDs) are the most significant synoptic-scale weather systems affecting Jammu and Kashmir outside of the monsoon season. These are extra-tropical cyclones that originate in the Mediterranean Sea and travel eastward across the Middle East and Pakistan before encountering the Himalayas.   

Mechanism and Structure

WDs are troughs embedded in the subtropical westerly jet stream. As they reach the Western Himalayas, the moisture they carry is forced upward by the high terrain, a process known as orographic lifting, which results in heavy precipitation. Unlike the monsoon, which is driven by moist thermodynamics, WDs are predominantly baroclinic in nature, deriving their energy from horizontal temperature gradients.   

Impacts on Agriculture and Hydrology

For JKSSB aspirants, it is vital to note that WDs bring nearly 80% of the annual precipitation to the Hindu Kush and a significant portion (nearly 50%) to the Western Himalayas. The rainfall they provide in January and February is indispensable for the Rabi crops (wheat, mustard, gram) in the Jammu plains. In the Kashmir Valley, the snow provided by WDs replenishes the perennial water reservoirs, ensuring the flow of the Indus, Jhelum, and Chenab rivers throughout the year.   

Precipitation Patterns and District-Wise Variations

Precipitation in Jammu and Kashmir is highly uneven, dictated by the varying topography and the interplay between the Southwest Monsoon and Western Disturbances. The UT receives an average annual rainfall of 1,028 mm, but this figure masks significant local disparities.   

The Jammu region receives about 68% of its total rainfall during the Southwest Monsoon, whereas the Kashmir Valley receives as much as 40% of its total annual rainfall during the pre-monsoon (Spring) season. This reversal of precipitation dominance is a key concept in regional geography.   

Current Affairs: The Climatic Crisis of 2024-2026

The years 2024, 2025, and early 2026 have witnessed unprecedented climatic shifts in Jammu and Kashmir, providing a wealth of material for current affairs questions.   

The Unprecedented Heatwave of 2025

In July 2025, Srinagar recorded a maximum temperature of 37.4^OC, the highest in over 70 years and nearly equaling the all-time record of 37.8^OC from 1946. This extreme heat followed the hottest June in nearly five decades, where temperatures remained consistently 3^OC above normal. The heating was intensified by the “Urban Heat Island” effect in Srinagar, where rapid urbanization and loss of green cover have led to heat trapping at night.   

The Great Snow Drought of 2024-2026

The winter of 2024-2025 was one of the driest in recorded history. By late December 2025, the region was experiencing a moisture deficit between 80% and 95% across various districts.   

• January 2026 Deficit: During the first fortnight of January 2026, J&K received just 1.4 mm of precipitation against a normal of 33.3 mm—a staggering 96% deficit.   
• Impact on Rivers: The Jhelum River hit record low levels at the Sangam gauge in early 2026.   
• Agricultural Failure: The lack of moisture resulted in a 40-50% drop in Saffron output in Pampore, as the hard soil strangled the delicate flowers.   
• Horticultural Stress: Apple orchards in the Valley suffered because they did not receive the required “chilling hours” (temperatures below 7^OC) necessary for fruit bud development.   

Frequency of Extreme Events

J&K recorded 12 extreme weather events in the first five months of 2025, higher than any recent year (8 in 2022, 6 in 2023, and 4 in 2024). These events, including hailstorms and dry mass movements, have led to significant internal displacements and crop losses.   

Environmental Policy and Governance (2025-2026)

In response to these challenges, the Government of Jammu and Kashmir has accelerated its green policy framework, as highlighted in the Economic Survey 2025-26.   

The Green J&K Drive and Afforestation Targets

The J&K Forest Department set a target to plant 1.5 crore saplings by the end of March 2025 to mitigate climate change and enhance green cover. A major private-sector initiative, the “Go Green Kashmir” project, was launched in December 2025, aiming to plant 1 million trees over 15 years with a focus on restoring watersheds and biodiversity.   

Climate Action Funding

Over the past three years (2022-2025), Jammu and Kashmir has received a cumulative allocation of over ₹860 crore under India’s flagship climate and afforestation schemes.   

• 2022-23: ₹312.69 crore
• 2023-24: ₹370.55 crore
• 2024-25: ₹180.18 crore (under CAMPA).   

These funds are directed toward reforestation and ensuring ecological balance in areas impacted by developmental projects.   

The Draft State Action Plan on Climate Change

The Economic Survey 2025-26 revealed that the Government has prepared a draft “State Action Plan on Climate Change and Clean Air Programme”. This plan, currently undergoing data verification with TERI, focuses on climate-resilient planning, alternative energy to reduce dependence on fuelwood, and mitigating human-wildlife conflicts.   

Wetlands and Ramsar Sites: Ecological Safeguards

Wetlands play a vital role in J&K’s climate resilience by acting as natural flood absorbers and carbon sinks. As of February 2026, the Union Territory hosts several internationally recognized Ramsar sites.   

Conservation Status and Challenges

In January 2025, Indore and Udaipur became India’s first Ramsar Wetland Cities, providing a model for urban wetland management that Srinagar aims to emulate. However, local reports from late 2025 indicate that sites like Hokersar and Wular are facing “systematic destruction” due to sewage inflow, mining, and encroachment. In February 2026, the Divisional Commissioner of Kashmir reviewed a water transport project for the River Jhelum, which aims to balance tourism and environmental protection.   

Agriculture, Soils, and Economic Impacts

The climate of J&K is the primary driver of its agriculture-based economy, which supports 70% of the population.   

Soil Types and Climatic Interaction

The distribution of soils in J&K is intimately linked to its climatic zones :   

• Alluvial Soil: Found in the Jammu plains; divided into “Bhangar” (old alluvium) and “Khaddar” (new alluvium).   
• Karewas Soil: Lacustrine deposits found in the Kashmir Valley; highly productive for Saffron, almonds, and apples.   
• Mountainous/Alpine Soil: Found in high-altitude areas like Ladakh; lacks a well-developed profile due to extreme cold.   

The Cryosphere and Water Security

The region relies heavily on snowmelt for its water supply. Rising temperatures, reported at an annual increase of 0.04^OC to 0.05^OC, have accelerated the melting of glaciers like Kolahoi, which has lost 23% of its area since 1962. This reduction in the cryosphere threatens the long-term viability of hydropower generation and summer irrigation for paddy and horticulture.   

JKSSB High-Yield Syllabus Focus: Climate and Geography

For candidates, the following topics from the research snippets are considered high-yield and likely to appear in upcoming exams :   

1. Agro-Climatic Zones:
   • JK-1 (Sub-tropical): Jammu, lower parts of Rajouri and Kathua.   
   • JK-2 (Intermediate): Doda, outer hills of Jammu division.   
   • JK-3 (Temperate): Kashmir Valley districts.   
2. Mountain Passes and Connectivity:
   • Banihal Pass (2,832 m): Connects Jammu with the Kashmir Valley via the Jawahar Tunnel.   
   • Mughal Road: Connects Shopian to Poonch and Rajouri.   
3. Hydrography:
   • Vitasta: The ancient name of the Jhelum River.   
   • Wular Lake: Formed by the Jhelum; the largest freshwater lake in Asia.   
4. Renewable Energy Targets:
   • National goal: 32% of electricity from new renewable sources by 2030.   
   • J&K current status: ~2% from new renewable sources.   

JKSSB Exam Specialist: Key Terms and Repeated PYQs

For aspirants targeting the Naib Tehsildar, Junior Assistant, or Finance Accounts Assistant (FAA) exams, mastery of specific regional terminology is required.   

Essential Geographic and Meteorological Terms

• Karewas: These are lacustrine (lake-formed) plateau-like deposits found in the Kashmir Valley. Composed of clay and silt, they are world-famous for the cultivation of high-quality Saffron (Zafran), particularly in the Pampore region.   
• Vitasta: The ancient Sanskrit name for the Jhelum river, which originates at Verinag Spring in Anantnag.   
• Kandi Belt: A sub-tropical, rain-fed hilly area in the Shiwalik foothills known for acute water scarcity and high rates of soil erosion.   
• Andarwah/Bajwat: Local names for the fertile alluvial plains of Jammu.   
• Duns: Longitudinal valleys located between the Shiwaliks and the Lesser Himalayas.   
• Kambarka: Gentle spring showers in Kashmir that help in the smooth digging of Karewa lands for saffron planting.   
• Kot-Kushu: The local term for frost in the valley.   

Repeated Questions from Previous Papers

• Question: Which pass connects the Jammu region with the Kashmir Valley?
  • Answer: Banihal Pass (2,832 m), which also houses the Jawahar Tunnel.   
• Question: Which mountain range separates the Kashmir Valley from Ladakh?
  • Answer: Zanskar Range.   
• Question: Which National Park is the last home of the Hangul?
  • Answer: Dachigam National Park.   
• Question: Which is the longest river flowing through the J&K UT territory (by volume/length)?
  • Answer: Chenab (Chandrabhaga).   
• Question: Which soil type is predominant in the Outer Plains of Jammu?
  • Answer: Alluvial Soil.   

Conclusion

The Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir stands at a climatic crossroads. The traditional rhythms of the six seasons and the reliability of the Western Disturbances are being challenged by unprecedented warming and prolonged moisture deficits. The shift toward “snow droughts” and the rising frequency of extreme weather events in 2025 and 2026 underscore the urgent need for climate-resilient planning and sustainable environmental governance.   

For JKSSB aspirants, success in the geography and current affairs components requires a deep understanding of these transitions. The integration of official government data, such as the ₹860 crore CAMPA allocation and the ambitious targets of the Green J&K Drive, provides the necessary accuracy for high-scoring answers. 

As the region prepares for the 2026-27 fiscal year, the emphasis on wetland restoration and clean air initiatives suggests that the Union Territory is beginning to prioritize ecological stability as a cornerstone of its developmental agenda. Understanding these mechanisms—from the baroclinic nature of Mediterranean storms to the lacustrine deposits of the Karewas—is essential for any professional engaging with the geographical and economic future of Jammu and Kashmir.   

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Sahil Digra

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