‘Chillai Kalan’ Descends Upon Kashmir with Unyielding Force

Srinagar, December 21: Kashmir ushered in the 40-day period of intense winter cold, locally known as ‘Chillai Kalan,’ with full force on Thursday. Srinagar city experienced chilling temperatures, dropping to minus 4.3 degrees Celsius. According to the Meteorological (MeT) office, Gulmarg recorded minus 3 degrees, while Pahalgam registered minus 5.8 degrees. In the Ladakh region, Leh town faced a minimum temperature of minus 11.8, Kargil recorded minus 11.4, and Drass saw minus 11.9 degrees. Jammu city reported a milder 7.3 degrees, Katra 7.4, Batote 6, Bhaderwah 2.4, and Banihal 7.6 as the lowest temperatures of the night, as per the MeT office statement. The ‘Chillai Kalan’ period, lasting 40 days, is expected to persist until January 30.