Srinagar, Jan 30: The harshest 40-day winter period in Kashmir, known as Chillai Kalan, concluded on a dry note this week. Beginning on December 21, Chillai Kalan saw heavy snowfall in the higher reaches, while the plains, including Srinagar, received only light to moderate snow.
The end of Chillai Kalan does not mark the conclusion of winter’s harshest phase. It is followed by a 20-day period called Chillai Khurd (small cold), and then a 10-day Chillai Bachha (baby cold), continuing the winter chill across the region.
Srinagar and several other areas witnessed relief from intense cold as night temperatures settled above the freezing point. The minimum temperature in Srinagar rose to 1.3°C, up from the previous night’s -0.6°C, and 2.2°C above the seasonal normal.
Other areas also saw night temperatures remain above freezing, including Konibal (1.0°C), Pulwama (0.1°C), and Kulgam (1.1°C). Most weather stations recorded temperatures above the seasonal average.
The coldest locations in the Union Territory were Sonamarg (-10.6°C), Gulmarg (-9°C), and Pahalgam (-5.3°C). In the Kashmir Valley, Qazigund recorded a low of -0.3°C, Kokernag -0.6°C, and Kupwara -3.1°C, according to the Meteorological Department.
While Chillai Kalan has ended, residents are advised to brace for the continued winter chill during Chillai Khurd and Chillai Bachha.