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Kashmir's Deep Freeze: Srinagar Hits -5.2°C Amid Dry Chillai Kalan

An extreme dry chill has continued in Kashmir, with Srinagar city recording a minimum temperature of minus 5.2 degrees Celsius, freezing water taps and parts of the Dal Lake. The Meteorological Department forecasts a weak Western Disturbance may bring the season's first snowfall to the Valley's plains on January 16. The prolonged dry spell during the crucial Chillai Kalan winter period is causing alarm, as agriculture and water supplies depend on heavy snowfall for reservoir replenishment. Temperatures across the region remain severely low, with Pahalgam at minus 6 degrees and officials advising precautions against the extreme cold.

Key Points: Srinagar Freezes at -5.2°C as Dry Cold Grips Kashmir

  • Srinagar records -5.2°C minimum
  • Water bodies and Dal Lake frozen
  • Dry spell raises alarm for water resources
  • First snowfall forecast for January 16
  • Chillai Kalan period crucial for water replenishment
2 min read

Dry cold conditions continue in J&K; Srinagar freezes at minus 5.2

Extreme dry chill continues in Kashmir with Srinagar at -5.2°C. Officials warn of alarming dry spell during crucial Chillai Kalan period, with first snowfall expected soon.

"Under the influence of these Western Disturbances, the plains of the Valley are likely to get their first snowfall of this season - MeT Department officials"

Srinagar, Jan 14

An extreme dry chill continued in Kashmir on Wednesday, with Srinagar city recording minus 5.2 degrees Celsius as the minimum temperature.

Almost all water taps, road puddles, ponds and other small water bodies were frozen in the morning, while the Dal Lake was frozen in parts.

Roads have become slippery, especially in the mornings, and pedestrians and motorists avoid venturing out in the morning unless some emergency arises.

The clear night sky has led to further lowering of minimum temperatures in the union territory.

The Meteorological (MeT) Department has forecast that a weak Western Disturbance is expected to bring rain/snow on January 16, which will be followed by two back-to-back Western Disturbances three days later.

"Under the influence of these Western Disturbances, the plains of the Valley are likely to get their first snowfall of this season," the MeT Department officials said.

An alarming situation faces J&K, especially the Valley, as there has been no major snowfall so far.

The continued dry spell has raised alarm as all the water bodies on which agriculture, horticulture and drinking water needs are based, depend on heavy snowfall during the ongoing 40-day-long period of harsh winter cold locally called the 'Chillai Kalan'.

This crucial 40-day-long period is already more than halfway through, and the plains of the Valley are yet to witness this season's first snowfall.

Chillai Kalan ends on January 30. Snowfall in February and March is of little consequence as it melts quickly and does not help replenish the perennial water reservoirs in the mountains.

Srinagar had minus 5.2 degrees Celsius, Gulmarg minus 3.8 and Pahalgam minus 6 degrees as the minimum temperature.

Jammu city had 4 degrees Celsius, Katra 5.5, Batote 4.5, Banihal 5.3 and Bhaderwah 0.5 as the night's lowest temperature.

In view of the freezing temperatures, the officials have advised people to take precautions against extreme cold

- IANS

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
The article mentions the Dal Lake is frozen in parts. Must be a surreal sight, but the underlying issue is serious. No major snowfall means water scarcity later. Authorities need to have contingency plans ready for summer.
R
Rohit P
It's not just about the cold. Slippery roads mean daily wage workers, vendors, and students face huge problems in the morning. The administration should ensure proper gritting on major roads and pedestrian paths. Public safety is paramount.
P
Priyanka N
The science is clear. These erratic weather patterns, with dry winters and then intense rain/snow later, point to climate change. We need long-term strategies for water conservation in the Himalayas, not just annual advisories.
M
Michael C
While the focus is on the Valley, Jammu at 4°C and Bhaderwah at 0.5°C is also very cold for those regions. Hope people are staying warm and the advisories about precautions are reaching everyone, especially in remote areas.
K
Kavya N
My heart goes out to the people there. Freezing taps mean no water for basic needs. This is a stark reminder of how dependent we are on nature's cycles. Let's hope the 'weak Western Disturbance' on the 16th turns out to be strong enough! 🙏

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