The 40-day period of harsh winter, known as Chillai-Kalan, ended in Jammu and Kashmir on Monday with a significant rise in night temperatures across most of the region. Although Gulmarg experienced some snowfall, other areas saw rain and temperatures above freezing.
Here’s a breakdown of the temperature changes:
- Srinagar: 3.6°C (up from 3.3°C), 4.6°C above normal
- Qazigund: 2.0°C (up from -0.6°C), 4.6°C above normal
- Pahalgam: 0.7°C (up from -0.6°C), 6.8°C above normal
- Kokernag: 0.5°C (up from -0.1°C), 3.1°C above normal
- Kupwara: 0.5°C (up from 2.1°C), 4.2°C above normal
- Gulmarg: -3.2°C (up from -3.5°C), 4.3°C above normal
- Jammu: 9.3°C (below normal by 0.6°C)
Rainfall and snowfall are expected in the coming days:
- Jan 28-31: Light to moderate rain and snow at many places, with heavy snowfall over isolated higher reaches in Kashmir.
- Jan 30-31: Light to moderate rain/snow at many places, with chances of heavy snowfall over few higher reaches in seven districts.
- Feb 1-2: Generally cloudy weather with light rain and snow at many places towards late afternoon and evening.
- Feb 3-4: Light to moderate rain and snow at many places.
Travelers are advised to plan accordingly as the weather system may lead to temporary closure of roads and passes, especially during Jan 28-31.
Although Chillai-Kalan has ended, winter isn’t over yet. Chillai-Khurd (Jan 30 – Feb 19) and Chillai-Bachha (Feb 20 – Mar 1) are still to come, so be prepared for colder days ahead.
