Chillai-Kalan Deepens Winter Woes in Kashmir with Subzero Temperatures Across the Valley
Cold Wave Intensifies in Kashmir as MeT Predicts Snow in High Reaches, Dry Spell to Follow
SRINAGAR, Jan 11: Kashmir continues to endure freezing temperatures as cold weather grips the region amid a forecast of light snowfall. The Meteorological Department (MeT) reported that almost all weather stations in the valley recorded below-freezing temperatures during the intervening night of Friday and Saturday.
The MeT office in Srinagar has predicted light rain in the plains of Jammu and isolated snowfall in higher reaches on Saturday. From January 12 to 14, the weather is expected to remain generally dry, though light snow is anticipated over higher elevations on January 15 and 16.
Srinagar recorded a minimum temperature of -3.6°C, which is 1.7°C below the seasonal average. In Ladakh, the Zojila Pass witnessed a bone-chilling -32.0°C, making it one of the coldest places in the region.
The ski destination of Gulmarg in north Kashmir recorded a low of -6.5°C, while Qazigund and Pahalgam in south Kashmir dipped to -6.5°C and -7.6°C, respectively. Other areas also experienced frigid conditions, with Budgam at -3.6°C, Baramulla at -2.6°C, and Pulwama at -5.1°C. Shopian and Kulgam emerged as some of the coldest spots, recording temperatures of -8.0°C and -6.6°C.
In the Jammu Division, temperatures remained relatively higher but still cold for the region. Jammu recorded 7.1°C, which is typical for this time of year. Banihal reported 0.2°C, Bhaderwah -0.6°C, and Katra a low of 6.1°C.
Currently, the region is in the midst of ‘Chillai-Kalan’, the harshest 40-day phase of winter that began on December 21. Characterized by extreme cold and increased chances of snowfall, this period is the coldest and most challenging time of the season. ‘Chillai-Kalan’ is set to conclude on January 30, but its impact will continue to be felt for weeks as subzero temperatures persist, particularly in Kashmir and Ladakh.
Residents have braced for the icy conditions, with many preparing for the possibility of snowfall disrupting daily life. The MeT department has advised caution in higher altitudes, where slippery roads and reduced visibility are expected to pose challenges. Meanwhile, the chilly weather has added a picturesque charm to the valley, attracting visitors to popular winter destinations like Gulmarg.
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