As Chillai Kalan, the 40-day intense winter phase in Kashmir, concludes, night temperatures rise across the Valley, providing respite from harsh winter conditions. This transition took place on Friday, marking an improvement in minimum temperatures.
Officials from the Meteorological Department reported several areas in Kashmir recording night temperatures above freezing. Notably, the minimum temperature in Srinagar rose to 1.3 degrees Celsius, up from minus 0.6 degrees the previous night, while remaining 2.2 degrees above the seasonal average.
In addition to Srinagar, regions such as Konibal at 1.0 degrees Celsius, Pulwama at 0.1 degrees, and Kulgam at 1.1 degrees Celsius reported similar trends, reflecting a general upward trend across most weather stations in the Valley.
Despite these positive changes, cold conditions persist in higher altitude areas. Sonamarg in Ganderbal district recorded the lowest temperature in Jammu and Kashmir at minus 10.6 degrees Celsius, which, although slightly warmer than the previous night’s minus 11.2 degrees, still indicates the harsh winter at higher altitudes. The popular ski resort of Gulmarg reported minus 9 degrees Celsius, while Pahalgam in south Kashmir registered minus 5.3 degrees Celsius.
Other stations in the region reported similar chilly conditions, with Qazigund posting a low of minus 0.3 degrees Celsius, Kokernag at minus 0.6 degrees, and Kupwara at minus 3.1 degrees Celsius.
Chillai Kalan, which started on December 21, is a traditional period known for its extreme cold and frequent snowfall, especially in the higher elevations. The conclusion of Chillai Kalan ushers in Chillai Khurd (small cold) lasting for 20 days, followed by the brief Chillai Bachha (baby cold) lasting 10 days.
Looking ahead, the Meteorological Department has predicted a fresh western disturbance approaching the region on Sunday. This disturbance may result in another spell of wet weather, potentially impacting the temperatures once more.
