SRINAGAR: The prolonged dry weather conditions prevailing across Kashmir are likely to ease in the coming days, with the possibility of a wet spell coinciding with the onset of Chillai-Kalan, the harshest 40-day winter period, officials said on Wednesday.
The local Meteorological Department stated that a western disturbance is expected to impact Jammu and Kashmir around December 21 and 22, coinciding with the onset of Chillai-Kalan in the valley. Due to this weather system, there is a possibility of moderate to heavy snowfall over the higher reaches of Kashmir, while the plains may witness light to moderate rain or snowfall.
Chillai-Kalan, which begins on December 21 and lasts until January 30, is traditionally marked by the coldest phase of winter in the region. During this period, the chances of snowfall are at their highest, and temperatures typically witness a sharp decline across the valley.
So far, Kashmir has not experienced any major wet spell this winter. Officials said the prevailing dry weather has contributed to an increase in seasonal ailments such as cough and the common cold among locals.
Meanwhile, sub-zero night temperatures continued to prevail across most parts of the Kashmir valley. Srinagar recorded a minimum temperature of minus 1.6 degrees Celsius on Tuesday night, marginally higher than Monday night’s minus 1.8 degrees Celsius. A thick layer of fog enveloped Srinagar and several other parts of the valley, particularly areas near water bodies, during the early morning hours.
In south Kashmir, Qazigund recorded a low of minus 3 degrees Celsius, while Kokernag registered a minimum of minus 0.1 degrees Celsius. Kupwara in north Kashmir settled at minus 2.2 degrees Celsius.
Gulmarg, the popular ski resort, recorded a minimum temperature of 1.6 degrees Celsius, remaining above the freezing point, officials said. Pahalgam, one of the base camps for the annual Amarnath Yatra, logged a low of minus 2.8 degrees Celsius.
Shopian and Pulwama towns in south Kashmir emerged as the coldest places in Jammu and Kashmir, with both recording a minimum temperature of minus 4.4 degrees Celsius, the officials added. [KNT]
