Night temperatures across the Kashmir Valley have seen an increase as the 40-day period of intense winter, known as Chillai Kalan, concluded on Friday. This shift in weather brought relief from the severe cold conditions that typically define this phase of winter.
According to officials from the Meteorological Department, areas like Srinagar recorded minimum temperatures above the freezing point. The temperature in Srinagar settled at 1.3 degrees Celsius, a notable rise from the previous night’s minus 0.6 degrees. This new reading also exceeded the seasonal average by 2.2 degrees.
Several other regions reported warmer night temperatures, with Konibal recording 1.0 degrees Celsius, Pulwama at 0.1 degrees, and Kulgam at 1.1 degrees. Most weather stations in the Valley confirmed minimum temperatures above normal for this time of year.
However, severe cold conditions persisted in higher altitude areas. Sonamarg in Ganderbal district emerged as the coldest place in Jammu and Kashmir, with a minimum temperature of minus 10.6 degrees Celsius. This was slightly higher than the previous night’s minus 11.2 degrees. The famous ski resort of Gulmarg recorded minus 9 degrees, while Pahalgam in south Kashmir settled at minus 5.3 degrees Celsius.
Other notable temperature readings included Qazigund at minus 0.3 degrees Celsius, Kokernag at minus 0.6 degrees, and Kupwara at minus 3.1 degrees Celsius.
Chillai Kalan, which commenced on December 21, is traditionally viewed as the coldest stretch of winter in Kashmir. It is associated with frequent snowfall, particularly in the higher reaches of the Valley. With Chillai Kalan coming to an end, the Valley now transitions into the 20-day period known as Chillai Khurd (small cold), followed by the 10-day Chillai Bachha (baby cold).
The Meteorological Department has issued forecasts predicting that a fresh western disturbance may influence the region starting Sunday, which could lead to another spell of wet weather.
