Kashmir Bids Farewell To Chillai Kalan, Plains Left Bereft Of Snow

Srinagar: As the curtains fall on the 40-day harsh winter period known as 'Chillai Kalan' in Kashmir, the plains bid farewell with an unusual absence of snow. The region, typically draped in a pristine white blanket during this period, stood bereft of the winter's icy embrace.

While there was light to moderate snowfall in the higher reaches of the valley at the fagend of the 40-day period, most of the Chilla-i-Kalan when the chances of snowfall are maximum and most frequent remained dry.

The valley witnessed a prolonged dry spell this winter, with no snowfall in the plains.

Regarding temperatures, Srinagar recorded a low of o.8°C against 3.6°C on previous night and it was 1.8°C above normal for the summer capital of J&K for this time of the year.

Qazigund recorded a minimum of 0.4°C against minus 2.0°C on the previous night, he said. The minimum temperature was 3.0°C above normal for the gateway town of Kashmir, MeT official said.

Pahalgam recorded a low of minus 3.3°C against 0.7°C on the previous night and it was 2.8°C above normal for the famous resort in south Kashmir.

Kokernag, also in south Kashmir, recorded a minimum of 0.7°C against 0.5°C on the previous night and the temperature was above normal by 3.3°C for the place, the official said.

Kupwara town in north Kashmir recorded a low of 0.3°C against 0.5°C on the previous night and it was 2.8°C above normal there, the official said.

Gulmarg, the official said, recorded a low of minus 6.0°C against minus 3.2°C on the previous night and the temperature was 1.5°C above normal for the world famous skiing resort in north Kashmir.

Jammu, he said, recorded a minimum of 8.5°C and it was below normal by 0.2°C for the winter capital of J&K.

The Kashmir Division anticipates light to moderate rain and snow from January 30 to February 10, with heavy snowfall expected in specific districts on January 31, the MeT office said here on Tuesday.

The Meteorological Department in Srinagar issues a comprehensive weather update for Jammu & Kashmir, spanning from January 30