Wet spell likely in Kashmir with Chillai Kalan set to begin

The prolonged dry spell in Kashmir may finally break, with officials indicating the possibility of a wet phase coinciding with the onset of Chillai-Kalan, the harshest 40-day winter period in the valley, beginning December 21.

The local weather office said a western disturbance is likely to affect Jammu and Kashmir during December 21–22.

As a result, moderate to heavy snowfall is expected in higher reaches of Kashmir, while the plains may witness light to moderate rain or snowfall.

Chillai-Kalan, which lasts until January 30, is typically marked by the coldest temperatures and the highest frequency of snowfall in the region.

However, the valley has so far not experienced any major wet spell this winter, with prolonged dry conditions contributing to a rise in ailments such as cough and common cold.

Meanwhile, sub-zero night temperatures continued across most parts of Kashmir.

Srinagar recorded a minimum of minus 1.6 degrees Celsius on Tuesday night, slightly higher than Monday’s minus 1.8 degrees Celsius.

Dense fog enveloped the city and surrounding areas, especially near water bodies, during the early morning hours.

In south Kashmir, Qazigund registered a low of minus 3 degrees Celsius, while Kokernag recorded minus 0.1 degrees Celsius.

Kupwara in north Kashmir saw temperatures drop to minus 2.2 degrees Celsius.

Gulmarg remained above freezing with a minimum of 1.6 degrees Celsius, while Pahalgam logged a low of minus 2.8 degrees Celsius.

Shopian and Pulwama emerged as the coldest places in Jammu and Kashmir, with both towns recording a minimum temperature of minus 4.4 degrees Celsius.