Chillai-Kalan Kicks Off with Intense Cold in Kashmir: Srinagar Records -4.3°C

Srinagar, December 21 : The onset of ‘Chillai-Kalan,’ the 40-day intense winter period in Kashmir, lived up to its name as Srinagar recorded a bone-chilling -4.3°C, officials reported.

According to a meteorological department official, the minimum temperature in Srinagar today was 2.8°C below the normal average for this time of the year in the summer capital of J&K.

The severe cold conditions resulted in the freezing of water bodies and water taps in various places across Srinagar and other districts.

Qazigund witnessed a minimum temperature of -4.0°C, the same as the previous night, registering a deviation of 2.4°C below the normal average for the gateway town of Kashmir.

Pahalgam, the famous resort in south Kashmir, experienced a low of -5.8°C, slightly milder than the -6.3°C recorded the previous night, but still 1.4°C below the normal average.

Kokernag, also in south Kashmir, recorded a minimum of -3.0°C, compared to -3.3°C the previous night, with temperatures 1.3°C below the usual average.

In north Kashmir, Kupwara town recorded a low of -4.0°C, down from -3.5°C the previous night, showing a deviation of 1.4°C below normal.

Gulmarg, the renowned skiing resort in north Kashmir, reported a low of -3.0°C, slightly warmer than the -4.4°C recorded the previous night but still 1.8°C above the normal average.

Jammu recorded a minimum of 7.3°C, below normal by 1.6°C for the winter capital of J&K. Banihal recorded 7.6°C, Batote 6.0°C, and Bhaderwah 2.4°C.

While ‘Chillai-Kalan’ will last until January 30, it doesn’t mark the end of winter. It is followed by a 20-day-long period called ‘Chillai-Khurd’ from January 30 to February 19 and a 10-day-long period ‘Chillai-Bachha’ (baby cold) from February 20 to March 1.

The Meteorological Department has predicted generally dry and cold weather in J&K in the next 24 hours. On December 23, the weather is expected to be generally cloudy with a possibility of light snow over isolated higher reaches. From December 24-28, the weather is expected to be generally dry, with no significant weather activity anticipated until December 28.