Srinagar, January 31: The Kashmir Valley witnessed a gradual easing of the intense winter chill on Friday as Chillai Kalan, the region’s harshest 40-day winter phase, officially came to an end, bringing a measure of relief to residents after weeks of biting cold. Night temperatures rose across most parts of the Valley, with several locations, including Srinagar, recording minimum temperatures above the freezing point.
According to the Meteorological Department, Srinagar registered a minimum temperature of 1.3 degrees Celsius, a significant improvement from the previous night’s minus 0.6 degrees Celsius and about 2.2 degrees above the seasonal average. The rise in mercury was also observed in several south and central Kashmir areas, reflecting a broader warming trend across the plains of the Valley.
Konibal recorded a minimum of 1.0 degrees Celsius, while Pulwama and Kulgam settled at 0.1 degrees and 1.1 degrees Celsius respectively. Most weather stations in the Valley reported minimum temperatures that were at or above normal for this time of the year, signalling a temporary respite from the prolonged cold spell.
However, the higher reaches of Jammu and Kashmir continued to experience severe cold conditions. Sonamarg in Ganderbal district remained the coldest recorded place in the Union Territory, with the mercury dipping to minus 10.6 degrees Celsius, marginally higher than the previous night’s minus 11.2 degrees. The famous ski resort of Gulmarg registered a minimum of minus 9 degrees Celsius, while Pahalgam in south Kashmir recorded minus 5.3 degrees.
In other parts of the Valley, Qazigund registered a minimum temperature of minus 0.3 degrees Celsius, Kokernag minus 0.6 degrees, and Kupwara minus 3.1 degrees Celsius, indicating that while the plains are warming, pockets of intense cold still persist.
Chillai Kalan, which begins on December 21 every year, is traditionally characterised by freezing temperatures, icy winds and heavy snowfall, particularly in the higher altitudes. During this period, water bodies often freeze, and the region frequently experiences disruptions to daily life. This winter, the phase witnessed several spells of snowfall in the upper reaches, while the plains, including Srinagar, received light to moderate snowfall.
With the conclusion of Chillai Kalan, Kashmir has now entered Chillai Khurd, a comparatively milder 20-day phase of winter. This will be followed by Chillai Bachha, the final 10-day phase, which usually marks a gradual transition towards spring-like conditions.
Meteorological officials, however, have advised caution, stating that winter is far from over. A fresh western disturbance is likely to affect the region from Sunday, which may bring another round of rain and snowfall to various parts of Jammu and Kashmir.
While the end of Chillai Kalan has brought a sense of relief and optimism, residents remain prepared for fluctuating weather conditions as the Valley moves through the remaining phases of winter.