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Kashmir's Chillai Kalan Ends as Temperatures Rise Above Freezing

The harsh 40-day winter period known as Chillai Kalan concluded in Jammu and Kashmir, with Srinagar's minimum temperature rising above the freezing point for the first time in over a month. Temperatures also improved in Jammu city and other towns across the region. The Meteorological Department has forecast the arrival of another Western Disturbance, which is expected to bring rain and snow, leading to advisories for farmers and travelers. This weather system is crucial for the region's water reservoirs and the broader Rabi crop prospects.

Key Points: Srinagar Temperature Rises as Chillai Kalan Winter Period Ends

  • Chillai Kalan ends after 40 days
  • Srinagar temp above freezing first time in a month
  • New Western Disturbance forecast
  • Farmers advised to halt activities
2 min read

Temperature improves in Srinagar, Jammu on last day of 'Chillai Kalan'

The 40-day Chillai Kalan ends in Jammu & Kashmir with temperatures rising above freezing in Srinagar. The MeT forecasts a new Western Disturbance.

"Farmers have been advised to suspend agricultural activities till February 2 - Meteorological Department"

Srinagar, Jan 30

On the last day of the 40-day harsh winter cold, locally known as the 'Chillai Kalan', the minimum temperature in Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, rose above the freezing point on Friday for the first time in over one month.

The Meteorological (MeT) Department data said the minimum temperature was 1.3 degrees Celsius in Srinagar, minus 9 degrees Celsius in Gulmarg and minus 5.3 degrees Celsius in Pahalgam.

In Srinagar, the minimum temperature rose above the freezing point after over a month.

The weather has improved in Jammu city as well. The minimum temperature was 9.3 in Jammu, 8.4 in Katra town, 3.2 in Batote, 1.1 in Banihal and minus 1 degree Celsius in Bhaderwah.

Chillai Kalan started on December 21 and ends on this day. Most of the snowfall in J&K occurs during this 40-day-long period, and there hasn't been very heavy snowfall in the Valley except during the last week of this period.

All needs of water for drinking purposes, irrigation, etc., depend on the quantity of snow received by perennial water reservoirs in the higher reaches during these 40 days.

But for the recent snowfall in the Valley, most rivers, streams, springs and other water bodies were running at their lowest.

The MeT Department has forecast the arrival of another Western Disturbance (WD) in J&K, which will bring some rain/snow on February 1.

Farmers have been advised to suspend agricultural activities till February 2, while travellers and transporters have been advised to contact traffic control rooms before undertaking a journey on the Srinagar-Jammu national highway.

People living in avalanche-prone areas have been cautioned not to venture out of their homes unless unavoidable during the next 75 hours.

A WD is an extratropical storm in the Mediterranean region that brings rain/snow in India, Pakistan, Nepal and Bangladesh. The prospect of the Rabi crop in these countries depends on the activity of the WD.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Good to see temperatures rising. But the article highlights a serious concern - low snowfall means less water for the summer. This is a cycle we see every year, yet long-term water management plans for the region seem weak. Authorities need to focus on conservation beyond just hoping for good Chillai Kalan snowfall.
A
Aman W
Minus 9 in Gulmarg! 🥶 That's still so cold. But it's beautiful there this time of year. Important advisory for people in avalanche-prone areas. Safety first. Hope the tourists heading there are checking the weather updates properly.
S
Sarah B
Fascinating to learn about 'Chillai Kalan' and Western Disturbances. The interconnectedness of weather in the Mediterranean to agriculture here in South Asia is remarkable. Good, clear reporting on the data and the forecasts.
V
Vikram M
The advice to suspend farming activities is crucial. Many small farmers might ignore it hoping to save their crop, but it's not worth the risk. The Met department does a good job with these localized alerts. J&K weather is no joke.
K
Kriti O
Hope the people of Jammu and Kashmir stay safe with the next WD coming. The temperature improvement is a short break it seems. Sending warmth from down south! ❤️

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