Chilla-i-Kalan Grips Kashmir: Prolonged Dry Spell Intensifies Bone-Chilling Conditions Amidst Anticipation of Snow and Rain
Kashmir Valley Faces Prolonged Dry Spell, Raises Concerns Over Water Bodies and Agriculture
Srinagar, 10-01-2024 : Despite the anticipation of snow and rain in the picturesque Kashmir Valley, the region continues to grapple with a prolonged dry spell, intensifying bone-chilling conditions, as reported by officials on Wednesday. The minimum temperature has dropped significantly, resulting in freezing nights and unseasonably warm days.
On Tuesday, Srinagar recorded a maximum temperature of 14.2 degrees Celsius, marking an 8.1-degree departure from the usual temperatures for this time of the year. Surprisingly, Jammu, the winter capital of the union territory, experienced colder weather than Srinagar, registering a high of 11.6 degrees Celsius, which was 6.5 degrees below the normal range.
The dense fog engulfing Jammu has contributed to the colder days in the winter capital. Srinagar city reported a minimum temperature of minus 5 degrees Celsius on Tuesday night, a notable drop from the previous night’s minus 2.4 degrees Celsius. Qazigund recorded a low of minus 4.4 degrees, and Gulmarg, the renowned ski resort in north Kashmir, witnessed a temperature of minus 5 degrees Celsius on Tuesday night.
Pahalgam, located in south Kashmir’s Anantnag district and a crucial base camp for the annual Amarnath Yatra pilgrimage, recorded a minimum temperature of minus 6.3 degrees Celsius. Meanwhile, Kokernag settled at minus 2.4 degrees Celsius, and Kupwara at minus 4.7 degrees Celsius.
Kashmir currently finds itself in the grip of “Chilla-i-Kalan,” a 40-day harsh winter period characterized by a cold wave that leads to a considerable drop in temperatures, causing the freezing of water bodies and pipes. This period is associated with an increased likelihood of snowfall, especially in higher altitudes.
The region has been experiencing a prolonged dry spell, with December recording a staggering 79 percent deficit in rainfall. The first week of January has seen no precipitation, with most plain areas of Kashmir witnessing an absence of snowfall. The meteorological department forecasts mainly dry weather until January 12.
The ongoing “Chilla-i-Kalan” is set to conclude on January 31, but the cold conditions will persist with a subsequent 20-day period known as “Chilla-i-Khurd” (small cold) followed by a 10-day “Chilla-i-Bachha” (baby cold). As the dry spell continues, the anticipation for snow and rain lingers, bringing both challenges and hopes for a change in weather conditions in the enchanting Kashmir Valley.
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