Kashmir temperatures rise slightly amid forecast of rain, snow

Srinagar, Jan 31: As Chillai Khurd—the 20-day relatively milder phase of winter—set in on Saturday, minimum temperatures across several parts of Kashmir showed marginal improvement, even as meteorologists warned of fresh spells of rain and snow beginning later in the day.

The minimum temperature in Srinagar settled at minus 0.1 degrees Celsius on Friday night, down from 1.3 degrees the previous night but still about 0.5 degrees above the seasonal average.

Gulmarg, the Valley’s ski resort, remained the coldest place, recording a low of minus 6.5 degrees Celsius, a notable improvement from minus 10.6 degrees the night before. Pahalgam, another tourist destination, logged a minimum of minus 2.6 degrees Celsius, up from minus 5.3 degrees.

In south Kashmir, Qazigund recorded a low of minus 2.2 degrees Celsius compared to minus 0.3 degrees a night earlier, while Kokernag and Kupwara registered minimum temperatures of minus 3.0 degrees and minus 2.5 degrees Celsius, respectively.

Chillai Khurd follows the end of Chillai Kalan, the 40-day harshest phase of winter that typically brings intense cold, heavy snowfall and prolonged sub-zero temperatures to the region. The winter cycle concludes with Chillai Bachha, 10 days considered the final spell of cold.

Residents said this year’s Chillai Kalan was particularly severe, marked by biting cold, frozen water supply lines and snow-clogged roads. “It felt longer and harsher this time, especially at night,” said Bashir Ahmad Dar, a shopkeeper from Srinagar’s Lal Bazar area. “Heaters ran continuously, and mornings were extremely tough.”

Another resident, Farooq Ahmad, said daily life slowed considerably. “Even basic activities like washing or commuting became a challenge.”

Officials from the India Meteorological Department said a Western Disturbance is likely to approach the region from Saturday evening, bringing widespread light rain over the plains and snowfall in higher reaches.

They added that another weak weather system is expected on February 2 and 3, followed by a similar Western Disturbance on February 6 and 7, which could result in intermittent light rain and snowfall, mainly in higher-altitude areas.

The department has advised farmers to suspend agricultural activities during this period and urged people to avoid unnecessary movement in avalanche-prone zones.