Srinagar, Jan 30: Night temperatures across Kashmir Valley rose on Friday as the 40-day extreme winter period, Chillai Kalan, came to an end, bringing relief from the intense cold, officials said.
In Srinagar, the mercury settled at 1.3°C, up from the previous night’s −0.6°C, and 2.2°C above the seasonal average, according to the Meteorological Department. Other areas such as Konibal (1.0°C), Pulwama (0.1°C), and Kulgam (1.1°C) also recorded temperatures above the freezing point.
Sonamarg in Ganderbal district remained the coldest spot at −10.6°C, slightly higher than the previous night’s −11.2°C. Popular tourist destinations Gulmarg and Pahalgam recorded lows of −9°C and −5.3°C, respectively. Qazigund, Kokernag, and Kupwara recorded −0.3°C, −0.6°C, and −3.1°C.
Chillai Kalan, which began on December 21, brought several spells of snowfall to higher reaches, with plains, including Srinagar, receiving light to moderate snow. The conclusion of Chillai Kalan ushers in the 20 day Chillai Khurd (small cold), followed by the 10-day Chillai Bachha (baby cold). Officials also warned that a fresh western disturbance is expected to impact the region on Sunday, potentially bringing wet weather again.