Night temperatures across most parts of the Kashmir Valley have risen as the 40-day period known as Chillai Kalan concluded on Friday. This transition marks a welcomed relief from the intense winter that typically envelops the region during this phase.
Officials from the Meteorological Department reported that several areas, including Srinagar, registered minimum temperatures above freezing. The night temperature in Srinagar recorded a notable increase to 1.3 degrees Celsius, a significant rise from the previous night’s minus 0.6 degrees. This reading was also 2.2 degrees above the seasonal average, offering hope for residents yearning for milder nights.
Other areas also reported above-freezing temperatures; Konibal reported 1.0 degrees Celsius, while Pulwama and Kulgam recorded lows of 0.1 degrees and 1.1 degrees Celsius, respectively. Most weather stations across the Valley indicated minimum temperatures surpassing norms for this time of year.
Despite this rise in temperatures, colder conditions persisted in the higher-altitude regions. Sonamarg, located in the Ganderbal district, remained the coldest area in Jammu and Kashmir at minus 10.6 degrees Celsius, although this was a slight improvement from the previous night’s minus 11.2 degrees. Gulmarg, a popular ski resort, recorded minus 9 degrees, while Pahalgam in south Kashmir reported minus 5.3 degrees Celsius.
Other notable temperatures included Qazigund at minus 0.3 degrees Celsius, Kokernag at minus 0.6 degrees, and Kupwara seeing minus 3.1 degrees Celsius.
The period of Chillai Kalan began on December 21 and is known as the coldest stretch of winter in Kashmir, often accompanied by frequent snowfall, particularly in elevated areas. With its conclusion, the Valley transitions into the subsequent 20-day period termed Chillai Khurd (small cold), which is then followed by a 10-day phase known as Chillai Bachha (baby cold).
Looking ahead, the Meteorological Department has indicated that a fresh western disturbance is likely to impact the region starting Sunday, which could bring another spell of wet weather. This potential change may affect the rising temperatures after the end of Chillai Kalan.
