Sun Soaks Chillai Kalan

Srinagar, Jan 13: While dry weather is anticipated to persist until January 23, the Meteorological Department (MeT) Saturday predicted the likelihood of very light snowfall in isolated higher altitudes due to weak Western Disturbances (WDs) expected around January 16 and 20.

“Dry weather is expected to continue until January 23 with feeble WDs approaching on the evenings of January 16 and 20,” the MeT officials here said. “Under the influence of these WDs, generally cloudy conditions with light snowfall in isolated higher reaches are expected.” They said that between January 21 and 23, generally dry weather was expected.

“Additionally, fog with cold day conditions is expected from January 14 onwards until January 16 over the plains of Jammu division,” the MeT officials said.

The freezing weather conditions have eased, with Srinagar recording a low of 0.2 degrees Celsius compared to minus 4 degrees Celsius the previous night. The temperature was 2.3 degrees Celsius above the normal for this time of the year.

Gulmarg ski resort in Baramulla recorded a low of minus 1 degree Celsius, 6.9 degrees Celsius above normal for the famed north Kashmir resort.

The health resort of Pahalgam in Anantnag district recorded a low of minus 0.6 degrees Celsius, 6.5 degrees Celsius above normal for the famed south Kashmir resort.

Kokernag recorded a minimum of minus 1.2 degrees Celsius, above normal by 2.4 degrees Celsius.

Kupwara town in north Kashmir recorded a low of minus 0.3 degrees Celsius, 2.6 degrees Celsius above normal.

Qazigund recorded a minimum of minus 2 degrees Celsius, which was 1 degree Celsius above normal.

Jammu recorded a minimum of 4 degrees Celsius, below normal by 3 degrees Celsius.

Banihal recorded a low of 3 degrees Celsius, Batote 8 degrees Celsius, and Bhaderwah 5.8 degrees Celsius.

Kashmir is currently experiencing Chillai Kalan, the 40-day harsh winter period, which will conclude on January 29.

However, this does not mark the end of winter, as it is succeeded by 20 days of Chillai Khurd from January 30 and February 18, followed by 10 days of Chillai Bachha from February 19 to February 28.

Unusual weather patterns rising daytime temperature

The unusual weather patterns have led to a rise in daytime temperatures, consistently surpassing the normal range by approximately 6 degrees Celsius for the past month, contrary to the typical harsh winter conditions where daytime temperatures usually hover around 5 degrees Celsius.

Kashmir is currently grappling with an extended dry spell during the severe winter months, causing widespread concerns among the people.

While nights remain bitterly cold, the absence of precipitation has intensified the dry weather.

The Meteorological Department officials here said that there was an alarming 80 percent rain deficit in December, with no precipitation recorded in January so far.

Most low-lying areas in Kashmir have not witnessed any snowfall, and even the higher altitudes have experienced lower-than-average snowfall.