After a significant spell of widespread rain and snow over Jammu and Kashmir region around December 11 and 12, there has not been any significant Western Disturbance affecting the hilly states of Jammu and Kashmir.
However, there have been mild Western Disturbances affecting the higher reaches of Jammu and Kashmir causing snowfall and light rains in the mid reaches including the capital city of Srinagar.
During the last few days, the higher reaches of Kashmir including Pahalgam have even seen sub zero maximum temperatures. As far as minimum temperatures are concerned, they have been settling below the zero-degree mark over many parts of the state.
[yuzo_related]
The harsh winter season and the most beautiful and gloomy period called the Chillai Kalan has begun. The season lasts for 40 days between December 21 and January 31. Chillai Kalan means the harshest days of winter and rightly so since the entire state of Jammu and Kashmir has been witnessing bone chilling weather conditions.
It is only during the commencement of the Chillai Kalan period that the water bodies begin to partially freeze in the Kashmir Valley. Even the iconic Dal Lake ends up freezing during this season. In fact, as the days progress, these water bodies completely freeze which is likely to happen during the next one week.
Almost all stations see subzero minimums during this time as well. In fact, only yesterday did Srinagar observed its lowest minimum at -4.2 degrees Celsius. Now, minimums will drop even further and the winters in Kashmir will become even harsher but as beautiful it can be.
Image Credit: dialkashmir.com
Please Note: Any information picked from here must be attributed to skymetweather.com