As the 40-day period of Chillai Kalan concluded on Friday, night temperatures across the Kashmir Valley have seen a significant rise. This gradual warming offers residents much-needed relief from the severe cold typically associated with this phase of winter.
Officials from the Meteorological Department reported that several regions, including Srinagar, recorded minimum temperatures surpassing the freezing point. In Srinagar, the night temperature settled at a mild 1.3 degrees Celsius, a noticeable increase from the minus 0.6 degrees registered the previous night. This figure also reflects an increase of 2.2 degrees above the seasonal average.
Additional areas such as Konibal, Pulwama, and Kulgam followed suit, with respective night temperatures of 1.0 degrees, 0.1 degrees, and 1.1 degrees Celsius. Most weather stations in the Valley noted above-normal minimum temperatures for this time of the year.
However, reports indicate that cold weather conditions persist at higher altitudes. In Ganderbal district, Sonamarg stands out as the coldest region in Jammu and Kashmir, experiencing a night temperature of minus 10.6 degrees Celsius, although this is a slight improvement from the previous night’s reading of minus 11.2 degrees Celsius. The ski resort of Gulmarg noted temperatures at minus 9 degrees, while Pahalgam in south Kashmir recorded minus 5.3 degrees Celsius.
Among other notable temperatures, Qazigund reported minus 0.3 degrees Celsius, Kokernag at minus 0.6 degrees, and Kupwara at minus 3.1 degrees Celsius.
Chillai Kalan, which kicked off on December 21, is historically recognized as the coldest spell of winter in Kashmir, often bringing frequent snowfall, particularly in elevated areas. As this significant winter phase ends, the region transitions into Chillai Khurd (small cold), a 20-day period that will be succeeded by Chillai Bachha (baby cold), lasting another 10 days.
Furthermore, the Meteorological Department has issued a forecast indicating that a new western disturbance is likely to impact the region starting Sunday. This could initiate another round of wet weather for the Valley, adding to the shifting climate conditions.
