Dry spell, warmer days mark end of Chillai Kalan
Srinagar, Jan 30: The 40-day period of Chillai Kalan, the harshest phase of winter in Kashmir, ended on Thursday, leaving the valley with dry spells and warmer-than-usual temperatures.
Unlike the severe winter weather typically associated with this time of year, the Chillai Kalan saw a significant deviation, as the valley experienced a substantial rainfall and snow deficit, compounded by back-to-back heatwaves and prolonged dry conditions that are now raising serious concerns about water scarcity.
Chillai Kalan is the coldest part of winter, marked by heavy snowfalls and freezing temperatures that blanket the Kashmir Valley. However, this year, the season saw only 25 to 30 percent of the usual snowfall and rainfall, creating a stark contrast to previous winters.
Instead of snow-covered streets and frosty mornings, the valley was hit with high temperatures that were more typical of spring, with daytime highs reaching 15°C during mid-January—nearly 8°C above the average winter temperature.
Srinagar, recorded its lowest December temperature in decades at minus 8.5°c. Yet, while the nights remained cold, the days were marked by an unusual warmth, with clear skies dominating the forecast.
While the higher reaches of the valley experienced heavier snowfall, the plains remained largely dry, with only light to moderate snow accumulation.
“The absence of substantial precipitation during Chillai Kalan has created a premature spring-like atmosphere in the Valley,” said a MeT official . “This trend is likely to have lasting implications for both agriculture and water resources in the coming months.”
The valley has seen a significant reduction in rainfall over the last 12 months, with data from the Meteorological Department showing a rainfall deficit of nearly 50 to 60 percent compared to normal levels.
In the summer of 2024, Kashmir was hit by back-to-back heatwaves, with temperatures soaring as much as 5 to 7 degrees above the seasonal average.
The lack of sufficient snowfall during Chillai Kalan will likely lead to a serious decline in water reservoirs across Kashmir. Snowmelt from the higher reaches of the Himalayas and the Pir Panjal range traditionally feeds into the Jhelum River and its tributaries, which supply water for irrigation, drinking, and hydropower. However, with significantly lower snow accumulation, these crucial water bodies are expected to face critical water shortages by summer.