Srinagar, Jan 16: Several parts of Kashmir are grappling with bone-chilling temperatures as a cold wave envelops the region, with the mercury dropping significantly, according to officials on Tuesday. On Monday night, Srinagar city recorded a minimum temperature of minus 4.6 degrees Celsius, slightly lower than the previous night’s minus 4.3 degrees Celsius. Qazigund experienced minus 4.4 degrees Celsius, while Gulmarg, the renowned ski resort in north Kashmir, reported a temperature of minus 3.1 degrees Celsius.
Pahalgam, situated in south Kashmir’s Anantnag district and serving as a key base camp for the annual Amarnath Yatra, witnessed a frigid minus 5.4 degrees Celsius. Kokernag town recorded a minimum temperature of minus 2.3 degrees Celsius, and Kupwara registered minus 4.4 degrees Celsius.
Officials noted that a dry and predominantly snowless winter in Kashmir has led to freezing nights and unusually warmer days. Day temperatures in Srinagar were more than eight degrees above the normal for this time of the year.
The region is currently in the grip of “Chilla-i-Kalan,” a 40-day harsh winter period characterized by a cold wave, resulting in a considerable drop in temperatures and the freezing of water bodies and pipes. This period, which is prone to heavy snowfall, enhances the chances of snow accumulation, especially in higher-altitude areas.
Despite being in the midst of “Chilla-i-Kalan,” Kashmir has been experiencing a prolonged dry spell, with a 79 per cent rainfall deficit recorded for December. Most parts of the region have seen no precipitation in the first half of January. Snowfall has been limited in the plain areas, with lesser-than-usual amounts in the higher reaches. The meteorological department forecasts mainly dry weather until January 21.
“Chilla-i-Kalan” is expected to conclude on January 31, but cold conditions will persist with a subsequent 20-day ‘Chilla-i-Khurd’ (small cold) followed by a 10-day ‘Chilla-i-Bachha’ (baby cold).
