Chilly winters have tightened the grip on entire Kashmir valley. Since the time of Chillai Kalan from 21st December, the minimum temperatures have been dipping at a steady pace. Srinagar plunged to -5.8degree on Christmas eve, a temperature 4degree below the normal, amounting to cold wave conditions. Arrival of western disturbance has pushed the mercury close to normal, since this morning. Freeze and cold is likely to pick up again from 01st Jan 2023.
Kashmir valley has been experiencing sub zero temperature since last week of November 2022. Srinagar, Pahalgam, Gulmarg, Kupwara, Kukernag and Poonch have persistently registered freezing temperatures, plummeting below -5 degree, on numerous occasions.
Chillai Kalan, the harshest 40 day winter period for the Kashmir valley commences 21st Dec and lasts till 30th January. The period is considered 'ruthless' for the entire valley. Chillai Kalan is followed by 'Chillai Khurd', a 20days long event between 31st Jan and 19th Feb. The last in the series is 'Chillai Bachha' ( baby cold ) for 10days from 20th Feb till 01st March.
This season, Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh received excess snowfall in the month of November. However, December has literally gone dry with rather patchy and infrequent spells, resulting deficiency of over 45%. Srinagar has received very light rain on 2 days (09th & 10th Dec) and totally dry thereafter. The capital city of Jammu & Kashmir still await its 1st seasonal snow, this year.
Western disturbance has arrived over Jammu and Kashmir, albeit with a short stay of 2 days, till 30th Dec. Srinagar, along with other tourists resorts of Pahalgam and Gulmarg are likely to have light rain and snow, over the next 2 days. Weather system will clear the region on 31st Dec. Cold wave conditions are likely to follow soon during the opening week of new year 2023.
