• Source:JND
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Kashmir witnessed rain in the plains and light snowfall in the mountainous region on Tuesday, marking the end of 40-day harsh weather conditions known as Chillai Kalan. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasted more rain and snow for the next few days, with a possibility of heavy snowfall in some high-altitude areas till February 4 including Kupwara, Bandipora, Baramulla, Ganderbal, Shopian, Kulgam and Anantnag.  

Chillai Kalan spans from December 21 to January 31 and is the peak of Kashmir’s severe winter, when temperatures drop several degrees below freezing across the valley. This year, however, the period was unusually dry and mild, with no snowfall in the plains and less than normal rainfall.

The local administration issued an avalanche warning for the mountains in the Ganderbal district of central Kashmir and asked people to stay alert. Light snowfall was reported in Gulmarg, a popular tourist destination, even in the early hours of Wednesday.

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In Jammu, it rained after two months, disrupting the helicopter service for Vaishno Devi Yatra. The Mughal Road, which connects Jammu with Kashmir, remained closed for the fifth day due to snow accumulation. The traffic on the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway was also affected due to weather conditions.

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Following Chilla-i-Kalan, a 20-day Chillai-Khurd (small cold) will begin from January 31 to February 19, followed by a 10-day Chillai-Bachha (baby cold) from February 20 to March 2. These periods are less cold than Chillai Kalan but still witness occasional snowfall and rain.

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