Snowy Week For Kashmir Valley, Chillai Kalan Proves Harsh Winter

‘Chillai Kalan’, the harshest winter period for Kashmir valley has begun on a cautious note.  The event started on 21^stDec, and witnessed rain/shower on 22^ndDec  in the lower reaches and scattered snow in the higher ones. The rough weather will continue till 28^thDec and the valley is expected to have snow white look. Wide spread snowfall will result sub-zero temperatures, freezing water bodies and blocking traffic lanes. Low visibility and accumulated snow may restrict the air traffic during this period.

Cloudy sky, freezing rain and intermittent snow will shrink the diurnal range of temperature. Day temperature of low single digit and mercury levels slipping to sub-zero during night will be witnessed at all the popular destinations like Srinagar, Gulmarg and Pahalgam.  Interior parts covering Baramula, Poonch, Kupwara and Bhaderwah  also will bear similar weather conditions for the next few days.

Three western disturbances are moving in quick succession across the region between 23^rd and 28^thDec.  The entire Kashmir valley has literally been starved of good rain and snow, so far in this month.  Last 2 weeks, from 09^thDec to 22^ndDec, practically zero rainfall was received over Jammu& Kashmir and Ladakh. Prospects of good rain and snow on account of series of western disturbances will cover up the large deficit,  at least to a reasonable extent.