SRINAGAR, Jan 30 : On the final day of the 40-day severe winter period known as ‘Chillai-Kalan,’ night temperatures experienced a noticeable rise under cloudy skies in Jammu and Kashmir. Except for Gulmarg, which received 10 cm of snowfall in the last 24 hours until 0830 hours, all other places recorded temperatures above freezing points, according to a meteorological department official.
Srinagar, having received 1.1 mm of rain in the last 24 hours, registered a low of 3.6°C, slightly above the previous night’s 3.3°C, yet remaining 4.6°C below normal for this time of the year. Qazigund recorded a minimum of 2.0°C, a significant increase from the previous night’s minus 0.6°C, standing 4.6°C above normal. Pahalgam, with 2 mm of rain, recorded a low of 0.7°C, 6.8°C above normal. Kokernag reported a minimum of 0.5°C, above normal by 3.1°C. Kupwara, receiving 9.8 mm of rain, registered a low of 0.5°C, 4.2°C above normal. Gulmarg recorded a low of minus 3.2°C, 4.3°C above normal.
In Jammu, the minimum temperature was 9.3°C, slightly below normal by 0.6°C. Banihal recorded a low of 4.0°C, Batote 5.1°C, and Bhaderwah 3.2°C.
The meteorological department official indicated the possibility of light to moderate rain and snow in many places in the next 24 hours, with the chance of heavy snowfall in isolated higher reaches of Kashmir Division. Further, between January 30-31, there is a likelihood of light to moderate rain/snow in many places, with the possibility of heavy snowfall in a few higher reaches of seven districts.
From February 1-2, generally cloudy weather with light rain and snow is expected, and from February 3-4, there is a chance of light to moderate rain and snow in many places in Jammu and Kashmir.
The official also warned of intermittent light to moderate rain with thunder and lightning in the plains of Jammu Division and light snowfall over higher reaches during January 28-31. This weather system may lead to temporary road closures of higher reaches and important passes, particularly during this period. Travelers are advised to plan accordingly, and farmers are recommended to withhold irrigation and fertilizer application during this time.
While night temperatures are expected to rise, a significant drop in daytime mercury is anticipated during this period. The conclusion of ‘Chillai-Kalan’ on January 29 does not mark the end of winter; it is followed by a 20-day ‘Chillai-Khurd’ period from January 30 to February 19 and a 10-day ‘Chillai-Bachha’ (baby cold) period from February 20 to March 1.
