• Source:JND

Kashmir Weather: Due to nightlong cloud cover, the minimum temperature improved on Sunday and rose above the freezing point throughout Kashmir Valley, while the maximum temperature dropped further. This shift brought the mercury above freezing in many areas, while daytime temperatures continued to dip further. Srinagar, for instance, recorded a minimum temperature of 2 degrees C, while Gulmarg saw a slightly lower minimum at 1.4 degrees C, and Pahalgam registered 2.4 degrees C.

The cold wave gripping the region showed no signs of letting up, as the chill intensified across the Kashmir Valley. With temperatures plummeting, foggy mornings are becoming more frequent, as seen near Dal Lake, where locals were spotted burning firewood to keep warm and engaging in morning jogs. Meanwhile, tourists continue to visit the region, drawn by its serene winter landscape.

Several other areas in Kashmir are also enduring sub-zero temperatures. Pahalgam, for example, recorded a low of -2.8 degrees C, while Qazigund saw temperatures drop to -1.6 degrees C, and Kupwara reached -2.4 degrees C. In contrast, places like Gulmarg (1.6 degrees C) and Kukernag (0.1 degrees C) remain just above freezing. Daytime temperatures in these areas typically fluctuate between 8 degrees C and 14 degrees C.

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Kashmir Weather: Will Kashmir See Snowfall Soon?

Despite the persistent cloud cover and fog in Srinagar and surrounding regions, the Meteorological Department has stated that there is currently no chance of snowfall in the plains. However, it is expected that light, isolated snowfall may occur in the higher reaches of the Valley in the coming days. According to IMD, Light snowfall is likely in higher reaches of Kashmir from Dec 13 to 17.

The weather forecast for the next ten days does not predict any major changes, raising concerns that Kashmir might not witness substantial snowfall this month. This prolonged dry spell, stretching over two months, has already begun to impact water levels in the region, with rivers, streams, lakes, springs, and wells all facing significant declines.

Of particular concern is the Jhelum River, which flows through the heart of Kashmir from south to north. Officials have reported that the river is nearing its lowest levels, a troubling sign for the region's water supply.

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Kashmir Weather: Chillai Kalan to Begin on December 21

The 40-day-long period of extreme winter cold called the 'Chillai Kalan' will start on December 21 and end on January 30. Traditionally, heavy snowfall in Chillai Kalan replenishes all the water reservoirs in the mountains to sustain the various water bodies in the union territory during the summer months.

No snow in Chillai Kalan would foretell a drought in summer. It is for this reason that Kashmiris are praying with folded hands for a plentiful snowfall during the winter months. In addition to water shortages, the dry winter cold has triggered widespread chest ailments in J&K, with most people complaining of flu and dry cough.


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