As the 40-day Chillai Kalan period concluded on Friday, night temperatures in the Kashmir Valley saw a significant rise. This change came as a relief from the intense cold that characterizes the winter season in the region.
Officials from the Meteorological Department reported that many areas, including the capital city of Srinagar, recorded minimum temperatures above the freezing point. Srinagar registered a night temperature of 1.3 degrees Celsius, a notable increase from the previous night’s low of minus 0.6 degrees. This temperature was also 2.2 degrees above the seasonal average.
Other areas in the Valley also experienced above-freezing temperatures. Konibal noted a temperature of 1.0 degrees Celsius, Pulwama at 0.1 degrees, and Kulgam at 1.1 degrees. These readings underscore a pattern of across-the-board temperature increases, as most weather stations in the Valley reported minimum temperatures above normal levels for this time of year.
However, chill persisted in higher altitude regions. Sonamarg, located in the Ganderbal district, remained the coldest spot in Jammu and Kashmir with a minimum temperature of minus 10.6 degrees Celsius, a slight improvement from the previous night’s minus 11.2 degrees. Similarly, the popular ski resort of Gulmarg recorded minus 9 degrees, and Pahalgam, known for its scenic beauty, registered minus 5.3 degrees Celsius.
Additional stations recorded varied temperatures with Qazigund noting a low of minus 0.3 degrees Celsius, Kokernag minus 0.6 degrees, and Kupwara recorded minus 3.1 degrees Celsius.
Chillai Kalan, which began on December 21, marks the coldest phase of winter for the Kashmir Valley and often includes heavy snowfall, particularly in higher mountainous areas. Following the end of this period, the Valley now transitions into the Chillai Khurd, a 20-day period characterized by milder cold, and is eventually followed by the ten-day Chillai Bachha.
The Meteorological Department has indicated that a fresh western disturbance is expected to impact the region starting Sunday, potentially ushering in additional spells of wintry weather. Local authorities and residents are advised to prepare for variations in weather conditions.
