SRINAGAR: The 40-day harshest winter period, known as Chillai-Kalan, is set to commence from the intervening night of Friday-Saturday, with light snowfall expected over a few higher reaches of north Kashmir.
Chillai-Kalan, which begins on December 21 and ends on January 31, is followed by a 20-day period known as Chillai-Khurd (small cold) from January 31 to February 19, and a 10-day period called Chillai-Bachha (baby cold), which runs from February 20 to March 2.
Notably, Chillai-Kalan is a Persian term meaning “Major Cold.”
The cold wave has already gripped Kashmir, with all areas across the Valley recording below-normal temperatures.
Srinagar, the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir, recorded the coldest night of the season at minus 6.2°C. The city has seen its lowest temperatures consecutively since Thursday.
Gulmarg, a famous ski resort, recorded a minimum temperature of minus 6.0°C. Pahalgam, a well-known tourist destination, recorded a low of minus 8.2°C, while Shopian in South Kashmir recorded a low of minus 10.0°C.
Qazigund, a gateway to Kashmir, recorded a low of minus 7.6°C, and Kupwara in north Kashmir recorded minus 6.5°C. Kokernag in South Kashmir recorded a low of minus 5.8°C.
Meanwhile, the Meteorological Department (MeT) has predicted light snowfall over a few higher reaches of north Kashmir starting Saturday.
Additionally, the weather is expected to remain dry for the next 24 hours, with light snowfall anticipated over higher reaches on December 21 and 22, according to the Director of the Meteorological Department (MeT), Dr. Mukhtar Ahmad.
From December 23 to 24, dry weather conditions are expected in J&K, followed by light snowfall over higher reaches towards the evening or night of December 27, continuing through the morning of December 28. Dr. Ahmad added that the weather would remain generally dry on December 29 and 30.
Light snow is also expected at a few higher reaches on December 31.
Furthermore, the MeT advisory has saidd that the cold wave is expected to continue at isolated to scattered places.
In view of fresh snowfall, sub-freezing temperatures, and icy conditions over roads at important passes and higher reaches, tourists, travellers, and transporters are advised to follow traffic advisories. (KNO)
