Srinagar, December 21: The severe winter phase known as ‘Chillai Kalan’ began in Kashmir on Saturday, enveloping the region in icy temperatures.
During the first night of ‘Chillai Kalan’, temperatures across the Kashmir Valley plummeted well below freezing, according to the meteorological center in Srinagar. The summer capital recorded a low of minus 8.5 degrees Celsius, marking the coldest night since 1974 when temperatures hit minus 10.3°C. The historical record for the lowest temperature is minus 12.8°C, established on December 13, 1964.
Independent weather observer Faizan Arif noted that this temperature is the third-lowest December reading recorded in Srinagar since 1891.
In the north Kashmir region, Kupwara reported minus 7.2°C, the lowest December temperature there since 1998, with an all-time low of minus 9.4°C recorded on December 31, 1986. Today’s temperature ranks as the ninth lowest recorded in Kupwara during December.
Other low-lying areas also experienced their coldest night of the season thus far, while some hilly regions remained warmer than the plains due to a lack of snow cover. The renowned Gulmarg resort in north Kashmir saw temperatures dip to -6.2°C, while Pahalgam in the south experienced a chilling low of -8.6°C.
In addition, Qazigund, Kokernag, Pulwama, and Shopian in south Kashmir recorded temperatures of -8.2°C, -5.8°C, -10.3°C, and -10.4°C, respectively.
In recent weeks, the Kashmir Valley has consistently recorded sub-zero temperatures.
In Jammu, the cold wave intensified, with Jammu city experiencing a low of 5.4°C and Banihal dropping to -4.4°C.
Marking a period characterized by extreme cold and snowfall, ‘Chillai Kalan’ spans 40 days, beginning each year on December 21 and concluding on January 30.
According to the meteorological department, the cold wave is expected to continue in isolated areas of Kashmir.
