While temperatures across Kashmir rose slightly, offering a temporary reprieve from the intense cold wave, the valley continues to grapple with a lack of snowfall and frozen waterbodies. Despite the slight rise, temperatures remained frigid, with Srinagar recording a chilly -3.8°C and Dal Lake succumbing to a thin layer of ice. Residents navigated the frozen surface as houseboats faced the challenge of maintaining mobility.
The impact of the cold extended beyond the iconic lake, with frozen water pipes causing disruptions in many areas. Pahalgam, Gulmarg, and other towns across the valley remained in the grip of sub-zero temperatures.
Adding to the challenges, Kashmir faces a prolonged dry spell, with no foreseeable precipitation in the coming days. December saw a staggering 79% deficit in rainfall, compounding the lack of snowfall in most plains. Even higher reaches witnessed less than the usual snow accumulation by the end of the month. Open skies further contributed to the plummeting temperatures, particularly in Srinagar.
This harsh winter period is known as “Chilla-i-Kalan,” a 40-day episode known for its biting cold and frozen waterbodies. While most areas, especially higher reaches, typically receive heavy snowfall during this period, the lack of precipitation remains a significant concern.
While February brings a reprieve with the milder “Chilla-i-Khurd” and “Chilla-i-Bachha” phases, the prolonged dry spell and lack of snowfall pose potential challenges for water availability and the upcoming agricultural season.
