Nights across the Kashmir Valley have become milder as the intense 40-day winter phase known as Chillai Kalan concluded on Friday, January 31, 2023. The Meteorological Department reported a significant rise in minimum temperatures, granting residents some relief from the severe cold that typically characterizes this season.
Srinagar, the summer capital, experienced a marked increase in temperatures. The night temperature settled at 1.3 degrees Celsius, an uptick from the previous night’s chilling -0.6 degrees Celsius. This reading was also 2.2 degrees higher than the seasonal average, signalling a shift towards more bearable weather.
Other towns in the Valley have also reported similarly improved temperatures. Areas like Konibal recorded 1.0 degrees Celsius, Pulwama at 0.1 degrees Celsius, and Kulgam at 1.1 degrees Celsius. It is noteworthy that most weather stations in the region documented temperatures exceeding normal for this time of the year.
Despite these improvements, the higher altitude regions continued to face bracing cold. Sonamarg, situated in the Ganderbal district, remains the coldest spot in Jammu and Kashmir, logging a minimum temperature of -10.6 degrees Celsius. This was a slight increase from the previous night’s reading of -11.2 degrees Celsius. The famed ski resort of Gulmarg recorded an icy -9 degrees Celsius, while Pahalgam checked in with -5.3 degrees Celsius.
Other notable temperature readings included Qazigund at -0.3 degrees Celsius, Kokernag at -0.6 degrees Celsius, and Kupwara recording -3.1 degrees Celsius.
The Chillai Kalan, which commenced on December 21, is classically identified as the coldest stretch of winter in Kashmir. This period frequently brings snow, particularly in the region’s higher elevations. With this phase ending, the Valley transitions into Chillai Khurd (small cold) lasting 20 days, followed by the Chillai Bachha (baby cold) which lasts for 10 days.
The Meteorological Department has alerted the public about a fresh western disturbance expected to impact the region starting Sunday, potentially ushering in another round of wet weather. Residents are encouraged to stay informed as they prepare for varying weather patterns in the coming days.
