The chilliest 40-day winter spell, known as Chilla-i-Kalan, began on Tuesday in Kashmir, with temperatures falling below zero. During this time, a cold wave sweeps the area, and the resulting sharp drop in temperature causes water bodies, notably the well-known Dal Lake, and water supply lines to freeze.
On Wednesday, various locations in the valley had temperatures that were several degrees below freezing, including Pahalgam, which according to the officials recorded the worst nighttime temperature of minus 6.2 degrees Celsius.
Several locations in Kashmir saw some of the coldest nights of the season thus far, if reports are to be believed. According to officials, both the water coming from the taps and the Dal Lake froze.
According to reports, the minimum temperature in Srinagar recently dropped to minus 4.2 degrees Celsius, while Gulmarg, a well-known ski resort in the Baramulla region of north Kashmir, registered minus 4.6 degrees Celsius.
In addition, temperatures in Kupwara in northern Kashmir dropped as low as 4.4 degrees Celsius, Qazigund to 4.2 degrees Celsius, and Kokernag to 2.4 degrees Celsius.
According to predictions from the meteorological department, Jammu and Kashmir will likely experience dry weather through December 24.
In some areas of Kashmir, around Christmas, there may be rain or light snowfall, according to the weatherman. The likelihood of snowfall is also at its highest during this time, and most regions, particularly those in higher elevations, will have significant snowfall.
Chillai-Kalan will last till the end of January, though Kashmir will see a 20-day Chillai-Khurd (little cold) and a 10-day Chillai-Bachha following that (baby cold).
