Several parts of Kashmir are experiencing a severe cold wave, with temperatures plummeting well below freezing, according to officials on Tuesday.
Srinagar Records Sub-Zero Temperatures:
Srinagar city reported a minimum temperature of minus 4.6 degrees Celsius on Monday night, compared to the previous night’s minus 4.3 degrees Celsius.
Chilling Conditions Across Kashmir:
- Qazigund recorded minus 4.4 degrees Celsius.
- Gulmarg, the renowned ski resort in north Kashmir, witnessed minus 3.1 degrees Celsius.
- Pahalgam in south Kashmir’s Anantnag district, a base camp for the Amarnath Yatra, recorded a minimum of minus 5.4 degrees Celsius.
Varied Temperatures in Other Regions:
- Kokernag town settled at minus 2.3 degrees Celsius.
- Kupwara reported a minimum temperature of minus 4.4 degrees Celsius.
Unusual Winter Pattern:
- A dry and mostly snowless winter in Kashmir has led to freezing nights and warmer-than-usual days.
- Day temperatures in Srinagar have been more than eight degrees above normal for this time of the year.
Chilla-i-Kalan Grips Kashmir:
Kashmir is currently in the grip of “Chilla-i-Kalan,” a 40-day harsh winter period characterized by a cold wave, freezing water bodies, and water in pipes.
The region experiences the highest chances of snowfall during this period, especially in higher reaches.
Prolonged Dry Spell:
Kashmir has been facing a prolonged dry spell, with a 79% rainfall deficit recorded for December.
Most parts of the region received no precipitation in the first half of January.
Snowfall Deficiency:
Most plain areas of Kashmir have seen no snowfall.
Upper reaches have received less snow than usual.
Weather Forecast:
The meteorological department predicts mainly dry weather until January 21.
“Chilla-i-Kalan” will conclude on January 31, followed by a 20-day ‘Chilla-i-Khurd’ (small cold) and a 10-day ‘Chilla-i-Bachha’ (baby cold), maintaining cold conditions.