winter calm... (pm.27.dec.11)>

as we approach the end of 2011, our weather pattern remains uneventful.  but of course... this is pretty much par for the course for this time of year.  although there continue to be some ripples in the upper-atmospheric flow gliding across the western himalayan region, the air is almost bone-dry from the surface into the highest levels, preventing the development of any significant rain or snowfall.

historically and climatologically speaking, things usually begin to change during the last week of december, however.  although there is nothing tangible to confirm that trend this year (yet), we are transitioning into the season when storm systems become more probable, and rain and snow chances increase.

keep an eye here and i'll attempt to give a "head's up", should our first significant winter storm system appear on the western horizon...

shortest day... (am.22.dec.11)>

the winter solstice occurs today, at 11:00am IST.  that means that there is the least amount of daylight of the year for locations in the northern hemisphere of our planet.  enjoy the darkness.

there have been a couple of upper-level disturbances riding the jetstream across northern india during the past several days, but thus far, i haven't had reports of any measurable rainfall in mcleod ganj.  if you have information to the contrary, let us know by commenting here, or by posting on our facebook page.

overnight temperatures, as well as daytime high temps, have fallen to around the coldest of the season.  rain and snow chances will be close to zero for the next few days at least... thanks to an absence of significant storm systems and appreciable moisture.

the next system... (pm.17.dec.11)>

the very normal mid-december weather that has been dominating recently may get shaken up during the next few days.  there is a rather vigorous, dynamic upper-level storm system that will be swinging eastward through the himalayas of northern india, bringing at least a mentionable chance of some rain and snow showers to the area, especially on monday and tuesday.

as is typical for this time of year, moisture is severely limited, so nothing more than light precipitation amounts are expected.  in fact, most of it should be confined to the higher mountains above the mcleod area.  keep an eye out and be prepared if you plan to be hiking and trekking during the first part of the week.!

it looks like temperatures will cool off another notch by mid-week, as this system passes by.

nothing menacing... (am.13.dec.11)>

the overall weather pattern will remain very stable and consistent over the course of the coming several days.  although it's not out of the question that a bit of upper-level instability could drift through and stir up a period of cloudiness and perhaps a mountain rain and/or snow shower, there is no indication that any significant storm system is waiting in the wings.

expect typical mid-december weather to prevail... which includes pleasant sunshine if you are able to take advantage of it... but chilly evenings and overnights.

again, any observations are greatly appreciated, which you can post as a comment here on the blog, or on our facebook page.  thanks to those of you who've given your input.

quiet and cool... (am.10.dec.11)>

showers earlier this week brought about 8mm (0.32") of rain to the area, but the weak storm system responsible has now moved out.  new snow is reported in the mountains of himachal.

it looks like we'll be back into a quiet and typically chilly weather pattern as we head into the middle of december.  no significant storm systems in sight... which is normal for this time of the year.

a bump in the road... (am.7.dec.11)>

although it shouldn't be much to get too concerned about, there will be an upper-level disturbance moving through during the next 2-3 days.  a couple of the computer models are showing a moderate chance of some scattered rain shower activity over parts of jammu/kashmir and himachal pradesh... and this time of year... the precipitation will most likely be in the form of snow in some areas above 2100m (6900m).

after a long period of dry and quiet weather, it's a good idea to be back in the mode of being prepared for inclement weather if you're going to be venturing into the higher elevations.

if you have any weather info or observations to report, leave a comment below, or post on our facebook page, to help keep others informed!