Srinagar, Dec 21 (KNO): The 40-day harsh winter period, Chillai Kalan, began with an intense cold wave across Kashmir, as Srinagar recorded its coldest December night in over three decades at minus 8.5°C. This marks the second-lowest December temperature recorded in the last 133 years.
The all-time lowest December temperature in Srinagar was recorded on December 13, 1934, at minus 12.8°C, while the now-third lowest was minus 7.9°C, observed on December 13, 1986.
According to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), the intense cold wave continues in Kashmir for weeks, with no major weather activity expected until the end of the month.
In Qazigund, the gateway to Kashmir, the mercury dropped to minus 8.2°C, the lowest of the season so far. Pahalgam, a popular tourist destination, recorded minus 8.6°C. The coldest place in the Valley was Anantnag, where the temperature plunged to minus 10.5°C, followed closely by Shopian at minus 10.4°C and Pulwama at minus 10.3°C. Kulgam recorded a minimum of minus 6.8°C.
Chillai Kalan, a Persian term meaning "Major Cold", extends from December 21 to January 31. It is followed by Chillai Khurd (Small Cold) from January 31 to February 19 and Chillai Bacha (Baby Cold) from February 20 to March 02.
The Meteorological Department (MeT) has predicted light snowfall in some higher reaches of north Kashmir until tomorrow (Sunday) morning. Dr Mukhtar Ahmad, Director of the MeT Department, said the weather is expected to remain dry between December 23 and December 26.
"From late December 27 to the forenoon of December 28, light rain is likely in Jammu plains, with light snow in higher reaches of Chenab Valley and the Pir Panjal region," he said. "The weather is expected to remain dry again on December 29 and 30, with light snowfall possible in a few higher-altitude areas thereafter."
The MeT has issued an advisory predicting a slight rise in minimum temperatures by 1-2°C over the next two days, followed by another drop of 2-3°C by December 26. Tourists, travellers and transporters have been advised to exercise caution, given the sub-freezing temperatures, icy road conditions and the possibility of fresh snowfall in higher reaches—(KNO)