Shrayan Sen
Reports circulating in several sections of the media have claimed that Darjeeling will witness snowfall on December 25. This has led to widespread excitement, but in reality such claims need careful clarification to avoid confusion.
One key point often overlooked is the distinction between Darjeeling town and Darjeeling district. Darjeeling town, the popular hill station, is located at an altitude of around 6,700 feet above sea level. Darjeeling district, however, is a vast geographical region ranging from the plains of Siliguri to the highest point at Sandakphu, which rises to about 11,900 feet.
When reports mention “snowfall in Darjeeling,” it is important to understand what exactly is being referred to. Snowfall in Darjeeling town is a rare event. The last time the town experienced snowfall was in February 2022. Since then, for nearly four years, the town itself has not seen any snow. In contrast, Sandakphu receives snowfall almost every year. However, even there, snowfall has not yet occurred this season.
Meteorological patterns suggest that for Darjeeling town to receive snow, higher-altitude areas above the town must experience snowfall multiple times first. Only after that does the possibility of snow in the town arise.
Another crucial factor is the presence of a strong weather system. Snowfall typically requires a powerful western disturbance or a cyclonic circulation that creates rainfall-friendly conditions over the Darjeeling hills. Snow occurs only when temperatures are near freezing and precipitation conditions are favourable at the same time.
According to current forecasts, no such weather system is expected to affect the region around December 25. As a result, snowfall in Darjeeling town before or around Christmas appears highly unlikely.
That said, given how sharply temperatures have dropped this season, the possibility of snowfall later in winter can’t be ruled out at all. January or February is considered a more realistic window, rather than late December.