The Biz Reporter
Srinagar, Jan 29: The 40-day winter onslaught, known as ‘Chillai-Kalan,’ wraps up today in Jammu and Kashmir amidst forecasts of upcoming rain and snow. Night temperatures have notably risen across the region, with a cloud cover contributing to the change.
Meteorological reports reveal that Gulmarg received 10 cms of snowfall in the last 24 hours, while all other areas in Jammu and Kashmir reported temperatures above freezing. Srinagar experienced 1.1mm of rain, recording a low of 3.6°C, 4.6°C below the seasonal norm.
Qazigund noted a minimum of 2.0°C, 4.6°C above the usual for this gateway town in Kashmir. Pahalgam, with 2 mm of rain, recorded a low of 0.7°C, surpassing the normal temperature by 6.8°C. Meanwhile, Kupwara witnessed 9.8mm of rain, recording a low of 0.5°C, 4.2°C above average.
The famous skiing resort Gulmarg saw a low of minus 3.2°C, 4.3°C above the norm. Jammu recorded a minimum of 9.3°C, slightly below the seasonal norm.
The meteorological department predicts the possibility of light to moderate rain and snow across Jammu and Kashmir in the next 24 hours. There’s a chance of heavy snowfall in isolated higher reaches of Kashmir Division.
From January 30-31, the forecast indicates light to moderate rain/snow in many areas, with the potential for heavy snowfall in specific higher reaches.
Between February 1-2, generally cloudy weather with light rain and snow is expected. From February 3-4, there’s a possibility of light to moderate rain and snow in various places.
The weather system might result in temporary road closures in higher reaches and important passes, including Sinthan Pass, Mughal Road, Sadhna, Razdan Pass, and Zojila, particularly during January 28-31. Travelers are advised to plan accordingly, and farmers are cautioned to adjust irrigation and fertilizer applications.
Although ‘Chillai-Kalan’ ends on January 29, marking the conclusion of the 40-day harsh winter period, it is followed by a 20-day period known as ‘Chillai-Khurd’ from January 30 to February 19 and a 10-day ‘Chillai-Bachha’ (baby cold) from February 20 to March 1.
