In Jammu Kashmir, the harshest 40-day winter period “Chillai Kalan” started with intense dry bone-chilling temperatures last night in almost all areas of the Kashmir Valley. Overall, Kashmir is experiencing dry weather and a continuous drop in night temperature that remains below the freezing point. In the Jammu region, the plains experienced comparatively milder temperatures.
In the southern part of the valley, Pahalgam—a key base camp for the annual Amarnath Yatra—saw the temperature plummet to – 8.2 degrees Celsius, down from – 6.8 degrees the night before, according to the meteorological office. Gulmarg recorded a minimum temperature of – 6 degrees Celsius.
The coldest location in the valley was reported to be Konibal, a small hamlet on the outskirts of Pampore, where the minimum temperature plunged to a bone-chilling – 9.2 degrees Celsius. Other areas also recorded significantly low temperatures, with Qazigund, known as the gateway to Kashmir, at – 7.6 degrees Celsius, Kupwara in the north at – 6.5 degrees Celsius, and Kokernag in the south at – 5.8 degrees Celsius.
The prolonged dry spell has exacerbated common winter ailments like cough and colds, adding to the challenges faced by residents. The freezing conditions have also hampered water supply and daily routines, with many locals struggling to access essential services.
The meteorological department has forecast mainly dry weather across the valley until December 26. However, there is a possibility of light snowfall in the higher reaches on the night of December 21-22. Another spell of light snowfall is likely between December 27 and the morning of December 28. Despite these brief interruptions, the cold wave is expected to persist, with temperatures likely to fall further in the coming days.