Kashmir is experiencing a severe cold wave, with temperatures staying well below freezing. This is happening during the 40-day harsh winter period known as Chillai Kalan, which started on December 21.
On Friday night, Srinagar recorded its coldest December temperature in over 30 years at minus 8.5 degrees Celsius. By Sunday, the temperature rose slightly to minus 4.6 degrees Celsius.
Shopian in South Kashmir was the coldest place, reaching minus 8.1 degrees Celsius. Other areas also faced extreme cold.
The Meteorological Department expects temperatures to rise by 1 to 2 degrees Celsius over the next two days but then drop by 2 to 3 degrees Celsius by December 26.
Here are some of the minimum temperatures recorded on Sunday across Kashmir:
- Srinagar: minus 4.6°C
- Qazigund: minus 5.2°C
- Pahalgam: minus 4.9°C
- Kupwara: minus 4.2°C
- Kokernag: minus 3.7°C
- Gulmarg: minus 4.6°C
- Sonamarg: minus 7°C
- Bandipora: minus 4.7°C
- Baramulla: minus 3.6°C
- Budgam: minus 5.3°C
- Anantnag: minus 6.6°C
- Kulgam: minus 5.8°C
In the Jammu region, Jammu city had a minimum temperature of 6.5 degrees Celsius. Other places like Banihal, Batote, and Katra recorded temperatures ranging from minus 1.3°C to 7.2°C.
In Ladakh, Leh recorded minus 7.4 degrees Celsius, and Kargil dropped to minus 8.8 degrees Celsius.
Chillai Kalan is known for freezing temperatures and snowfall. It will be followed by Chillai Khurd (20 days) and Chillai-Bachha (10 days).
The cold weather has caused frozen water pipes and power outages, making life difficult. The Regional Transport Officer, Qazi Irfan, advised motorists and bikers to be cautious on icy roads. Key tips include avoiding unnecessary travel, driving slowly, using winter tires, keeping fuel tanks half full, and carrying emergency kits.
Motorists should maintain safe distances, avoid sudden braking, and use low-beam headlights in fog. Bikers are encouraged to wear thermal gear.
The Meteorological Department predicts dry weather until December 30, with slight relief expected between December 27 and 28 due to cloudy conditions. Light rain is forecasted for the plains of Jammu, and light snowfall is expected in the higher reaches of the Chenab Valley and Pir Panjal Range.
