Kashmir Endures Freezing Night Temperatures Chillai Khurd Brings Hope of Milder Cold
Milder Cold Expected After Harshest Winter; Light Rain and Snow Forecast in Higher Reaches
SRINAGAR, Jan 31: Night temperatures in Kashmir remained below freezing across most areas on Friday, though several places saw a slight rise as the 20-day ‘Chillai Khurd’ period the small cold began, marking the end of the harshest winter, ‘Chillai-Kalan’.
Srinagar recorded a minimum of minus 0.1°C, slightly above the seasonal average, compared with 1.3°C the previous night. Gulmarg in Baramulla district was the coldest spot at minus 6.5°C, rising from minus 10.6°C, while Pahalgam recorded minus 2.6°C, up from minus 5.3°C. Qazigund, Kokernag, and Kupwara registered lows of minus 2.2°C, minus 3.0°C, and minus 2.5°C respectively.
The meteorological department has predicted cloudy weather with light to moderate rain or snow, particularly in higher altitudes, along with possible gusty winds and thunderstorms over the weekend. Scattered rainfall and snowfall are also expected on February 2–3.
The Chillai Khurd phase will be followed by the 10-day ‘Chillai Bachha’ (baby cold), signalling a gradual easing of winter chills across the valley.
