Owais Gul
Srinagar, Dec 20: The 40-day harshest winter period, known as Chillai-Kalan, is all set to commence from the intervening night of Friday-Saturday with expectations of bringing a light snowfall over a few higher reaches of north Kashmir.
The harshest winter period commenced from December 21 and culminates on January 31 next year, which is followed by a 20-day long Chillai-Khurd (small cold) that occurs between January 31 and February 19 and a 10-day long Chillai-Bachha (baby cold) which begins from February 20 to March 2.
Notably, Chillai-Kalan is a Persian word which means “Major Cold”.
The cold wave has already tightened its grip in Kashmir with all the places across the Valley recording below normal temperatures.
Srinagar, the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir, has however, recorded the coldest night of season at minus 6.2 degree Celsius. The station has recorded the lowest coldest nights consecutively since Thursday.
Gulmarg, a famous ski-resort, recorded a minimum temperature of minus 6.0 degree Celsius. Pahalgam, a famous tourist destination, recorded a low of minus 8.2 degree Celsius while Shopian in South Kashmir recorded a low of minus 10.0 degree Celsius.
Also, Qazigund, a gateway of Kashmir, recorded a low of minus 7.6 degree Celsius while Kupwara in north Kashmir recorded minus 6.5 degree Celsius. Kokernag in South Kashmir recorded a low of minus 5.8 degree Celsius.
Meanwhile, the Meteorological department (MeT) has predicted light snowfall over a few higher reaches of north Kashmir from Saturday.
Furthermore, the weather is expected to remain dry for the next 24 hours while light snowfall is expected over a few higher reaches on December 21 and 22, Director Meteorological department (MeT), Dr Mukhtar Ahmad said.
From December 23 to 24, a dry weather condition is expected in J&K followed by a light snowfall over higher reaches towards 27th late evening or night to 28th forenoon, he said, adding that the weather would remain generally dry on December 29 &30.
He added that the light snow is also expected at a few higher reaches on December 31st.
Furthermore, the MeT in its advisory has said that the cold wave is expected to continue at isolated to scattered places.
In view of fresh snowfall, sub-freezing temperature & icy conditions over roads of important passes and higher reaches, the tourists, travelers and transporters are advised to follow administration and traffic advisory.
