Night temperatures across the Kashmir Valley have risen significantly as the intense winter period, known as Chillai Kalan, concluded on Friday. This transition has provided partial relief from the severe cold that typically defines this phase of winter.
Officials from the Meteorological Department reported improvements in minimum temperatures across several regions. In Srinagar, the night temperature increased to 1.3 degrees Celsius, a significant rise from the previous night’s minus 0.6 degrees. This temperature is notably 2.2 degrees higher than the seasonal average for January.
Other notable regions reporting above-freezing night temperatures include Konibal, which recorded 1.0 degrees Celsius, followed by Pulwama at 0.1 degrees and Kulgam at 1.1 degrees. Most weather stations across the valley indicated a rise in minimum temperatures, marking a change during this traditionally frigid season.
Despite the overall warming trend, cold conditions persist in higher altitude areas. Sonamarg, located in Ganderbal district, remains the coldest place recorded in Jammu and Kashmir, with a minimum temperature of minus 10.6 degrees Celsius, although it is slightly warmer than the minus 11.2 degrees from the previous night. Gulmarg, the popular ski resort, noted a temperature of minus 9 degrees, while Pahalgam reported minus 5.3 degrees Celsius.
Other stations monitoring the region’s temperatures include Qazigund, which logged a low of minus 0.3 degrees Celsius, coordinating with Kokernag at minus 0.6 degrees and Kupwara at minus 3.1 degrees Celsius.
Traditionally, Chillai Kalan begins on December 21 and is considered the coldest period of winter in Kashmir, often accompanied by heavy snowfall, especially in the higher elevations. With its conclusion, the Valley now transitions into Chillai Khurd (small cold) which lasts for 20 days, to be succeeded by Chillai Bachha (baby cold) lasting 10 days.
The Meteorological Department has forecast a fresh western disturbance affecting the area starting Sunday, which may introduce another series of wet weather and potentially further fluctuations in temperature.