Srinagar recorded the lowest temperature of -8.8°C on 31st January 2021, bidding freezing farewell to ‘Chillai- Kalan’. This being the harshest phase of winter for the Kashmir valley lasting 40 days from 21st December to 31st January. This has been the record lowest minimum since 1991. Prior to this, Srinagar airport had recorded the lowest of 8.7°C on 14th January 2021 when the city observatory measured a shade lower at 8.4°C.
Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir has recorded a total of 87.3mm of rain and snow in January against monthly normal of 93.1mm. Heavy spells of snow have remained elusive over the region so far and therefore cold wave conditions have prevailed prominently. A feeble western disturbance over the region has given light rain during the past 24 hours. This weather system will move away quickly and close on heels another one will arrive and affect the region between 02nd and 04th February. Light to moderate rain and snow is expected for the city and tourist destinations of the Union Territory.
‘Chillai – Khurd’ has now commenced from 01st February onward and will last till 20th February. The final and shortest of all will be ‘Chillai Bache’ from 21st February onward for 10 days. A fair amount of snow is still expected during this period, more during the former event than the latter. The entire period of Chillai Kalan remained sub-zero for the capital city Srinagar which is expected to continue during the first half of February and gradually ease out in the latter half of the month.