Srinagar, Dec 21 (BuzzBytes) — The onset of ‘Chillai-Kalan,’ a 40-day severe winter spell, made a formidable entrance in Kashmir as Srinagar shivered at a bone-chilling minus 4.3°C, according to officials.
A meteorological department spokesperson revealed that Srinagar’s current minimum temperature is 2.8°C below the normal for this time of the year, setting a frigid tone for the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir.
The extreme cold conditions have caused water taps to freeze and water bodies to ice over in various districts, impacting daily life.
Qazigund reported a minimum temperature of minus 4.0°C, consistent with the previous night, registering a deviation of 2.4°C below normal. Pahalgam, a renowned resort in south Kashmir, experienced a low of minus 5.8°C, 1.4°C below the expected temperature.
Kokernag in south Kashmir recorded a minimum of minus 3.0°C, 1.3°C below normal. Kupwara in north Kashmir saw a low of minus 4.0°C, 1.4°C below the usual temperature. Gulmarg, the famous skiing resort, recorded minus 3.0°C, 1.8°C above normal.
Jammu, the winter capital, recorded a minimum of 7.3°C, 1.6°C below normal. Other regions, including Banihal, Batote, and Bhaderwah, reported varying temperatures.
While ‘Chillai-Kalan’ is expected to conclude on January 30, winter persists with a 20-day ‘Chillai-Khurd’ period from January 30 to February 19 and a 10-day ‘Chillai-Bachha’ (baby cold) from February 20 to March 1.
The Meteorological Department anticipates generally dry and cold weather in J&K over the next 24 hours. On December 23, the weather is expected to be generally cloudy with a chance of light snow over isolated higher reaches. From December 24-28, generally dry conditions are forecasted with no significant weather activity expected until December 28. (BuzzBytes)
