Night temperatures across the Kashmir Valley have risen as the 40-day winter period known as Chillai Kalan came to an end on Friday. This seasonal transition offers relief from the intense cold that characterizes this time of year.
Officials from the Meteorological Department reported that many areas, including Srinagar, recorded minimum temperatures above the freezing point. Srinagar’s night temperature reached 1.3 degrees Celsius, a sharp rise from the previous night’s chilly -0.6 degrees Celsius, and >2.2 degrees above the seasonal average.
Other regions experiencing above-freezing night temperatures include Konibal at 1.0 degrees Celsius, Pulwama at 0.1 degrees, and Kulgam at 1.1 degrees. Most weather stations reported minimum temperatures above the seasonal norms.
Nonetheless, cold conditions lingered in the higher altitude areas. Sonamarg in the Ganderbal district recorded the coldest temperature in Jammu and Kashmir at -10.6 degrees Celsius, although this was slightly higher than the previous night’s -11.2 degrees. The ski resort of Gulmarg experienced a temperature of -9 degrees, while Pahalgam recorded a minimum of -5.3 degrees Celsius.
Among other significant sites, Qazigund recorded -0.3 degrees Celsius, Kokernag -0.6 degrees, and Kupwara at -3.1 degrees Celsius.
Chillai Kalan, which commenced on December 21, marks the coldest winter period in Kashmir, known for frequent snowfall in higher altitudes. With the end of this phase, the Valley enters Chillai Khurd (small cold) lasting 20 days, followed by the Chillai Bachha (baby cold) lasting 10 days.
The Meteorological Department has also indicated that a fresh western disturbance may impact the region starting Sunday, which could bring another spell of wet weather to the area. This forecast suggests that while the severe cold may have eased, weather enthusiasts and locals should prepare for potential changes in conditions ahead.
