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Chillai Kalan, the harshest 40-day winter period, commenced in Kashmir on Saturday (December 21), with Srinagar experiencing its coldest December night in 50 years at minus 8.5 degrees Celsius, according to the meteorological department.
Across the valley, temperatures plummeted well below freezing, intensifying the winter chill.
Srinagar’s Friday night temperature dropped from minus 6.2 degrees Celsius to minus 8.5 degrees Celsius, marking its coldest December night since 1974, when the mercury hit minus 10.3 degrees Celsius. This also ranks as the third-coldest December night since records began in 1891. Srinagar’s all-time lowest December temperature remains minus 12.8 degrees Celsius, recorded on December 13, 1934.
The severe cold has frozen parts of several water bodies, including the famous Dal Lake, and disrupted water supply lines across the city and the valley.
In South Kashmir, Pahalgam, a major tourist attraction and a base camp for the Amarnath Yatra, recorded minus 8.6 degrees Celsius, while Gulmarg, the iconic ski resort, registered minus 6.2 degrees Celsius.
Konibal, a village near Pampore, was the coldest spot in the valley, with temperatures dropping to minus 10.5 degrees Celsius. Qazigund recorded minus 8.2 degrees Celsius, Kupwara minus 7.2 degrees Celsius, and Kokernag minus 5.8 degrees Celsius. This was Kupwara’s coldest December night since 1998 and the ninth-lowest on record for the month.
The meteorological department predicts mainly dry weather until December 26, with chances of light snowfall in the higher reaches on December 21-22. Additional snowfall may occur in elevated areas between December 27-28, while the weather from December 29-30 is expected to remain dry. Snowfall on the higher reaches is also anticipated on New Year’s Eve.
The cold wave is expected to persist over the coming days, particularly in isolated areas.
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah announced that he has decided to cancel his upcoming programs in Srinagar for the next week to personally oversee the functioning of the Power Department and other key departments.
The decision comes in response to the severe cold spell gripping the Kashmir valley, which has caused significant disruptions in water and electricity supply, resulting in hardships for residents.
Chillai Kalan, known for its frigid temperatures and high likelihood of snowfall, will continue until January 31. It will then be followed by Chillai Khurd (20 days of moderate cold) and Chillai Bachha (10 days of mild cold).
Meanwhile, record-breaking low temperatures have caused significant portions of Wular Lake, Asia’s largest freshwater lake, to freeze. This period of extreme cold has severely disrupted daily life, freezing water supply lines and posing challenges for residents.
Authorities have advised locals and tourists to remain cautious, particularly near frozen water bodies, as the harsh winter continues to grip the valley.
