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Kashmir's Chillai Kalan Ends, Gulmarg Frozen at -8°C as Tourists Flock

Night temperatures in Srinagar showed marginal improvement, recording 3°C, while Gulmarg remained severely cold at minus 8 degrees Celsius. The Meteorological Department forecasts generally dry weather until Friday evening, with light snow possible on higher reaches from February 7. The end of the harsh 40-day Chillai Kalan period has brought an overall temperature increase and a significant influx of domestic tourists to the Valley. Despite the deep chill, road and rail connectivity remained largely uninterrupted, and the recent heavy snowfall is expected to sustain water bodies through the summer.

Key Points: Srinagar, Gulmarg Temperatures Post Chillai Kalan | Weather Update

  • Srinagar temp at 3°C
  • Gulmarg frozen at -8°C
  • Dry weather till Friday
  • Heavy snowfall in late January aids summer water supply
2 min read

Night temperatures improve marginally in Srinagar, Gulmarg still frozen at minus 8 degrees Celsius

Srinagar at 3°C, Gulmarg at -8°C. Dry weather forecast until Friday. Tourist influx high as winter's harsh Chillai Kalan period ends.

"appreciable heavy snowfall occurred towards the end of January, and that is likely to sustain various water bodies... during the coming hot summer months - Meteorological Department"

Srinagar, Feb 4

The minimum temperature in Jammu and Kashmir's Srinagar city improved marginally on Wednesday, as the Meteorological Department forecast generally dry weather until Friday evening.

Srinagar city recorded a minimum temperature of 3 degrees Celsius, Gulmarg ski resort minus 8 degrees Celsius, and Pahalgam minus 5.6 degrees.

Jammu city recorded a minimum temperature of 8.3 degrees Celsius, Katra town 7.5 degrees Celsius, Batote 1.6 degrees Celsius, Banihal minus 1.1 degrees Celsius and Bhaderwah minus 2 degrees Celsius.

The Meteorological Department has forecast generally dry weather till Friday evening with partly cloudy sky.

On February 7, light snow is likely to occur at isolated places on the higher reaches. On February 8, the weather office has forecast generally dry weather, and light rain/snow on February 9 and 10.

Since the 40-day-long harsh winter cold period, 'Chillai Kalan', ended on January 30, there is overall improvement in minimum and maximum temperature, although there is very little chance of fresh snowfall in the plains of the Valley during the remaining part of this winter.

Thankfully, appreciable heavy snowfall occurred towards the end of January, and that is likely to sustain various water bodies, including rivers, streams, springs and lakes during the coming hot summer months.

Despite the minimum temperature dropping as low as minus 6 degrees during the Chillai Kalan, inter-district road connectivity remained unaffected in the Valley.

Traffic on the Srinagar-Jammu National Highway and the train service between Katra in Reasi district and Srinagar city continued uninterrupted except for two days' break on the highway and a day's suspension of the train service.

A large number of domestic tourists are visiting the Valley these days, and most hotels in Srinagar, Gulmarg, Sonamarg and Pahalgam have good occupancy these days.

People from the tourism industry are seeing it as a very positive sign.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
Minus 8 in Gulmarg! That's incredible. Planning a trip there next month. Glad to hear the roads are clear and tourism is picking up. The pictures must be stunning right now.
R
Rohit P
While the article focuses on tourism, I hope the authorities are also ensuring the local population, especially in remote areas like Banihal and Bhaderwah, have adequate heating and supplies. Winters can be very tough there.
P
Priya S
The connectivity remaining mostly unaffected is the real news here. Hats off to the BRO and local administration for keeping the highway and train service running. It's crucial for both tourism and essential supplies.
M
Michael C
Interesting to learn about 'Chillai Kalan'. The precision of the weather forecast for the coming days is impressive. Hope the predicted light snow on the 9th and 10th adds to the beauty without causing disruptions.
K
Kavya N
As someone from a plains state, these temperatures are mind-boggling! Respect to the people living there. The tourism boost is well-deserved. Kashmir truly is a paradise, even in winter. ❄️

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