Kashmir Weather: The onset of Chillai Kalan, the harshest 40-day winter period, has brought fresh snowfall to the higher reaches of the Kashmir valley and drizzle to the plains, ending a prolonged dry spell. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) stated that this shift in weather aligns with the start of the 40-day harsh winter phase, forecasting a further drop in temperatures across the region.
The Director of the Regional Meteorological Centre in Srinagar said, “This is a respite from the prolonged dry spell. There was much-needed snowfall on the higher reaches and light rain at many places. Current activity will continue till tonight with another brief spell on Monday.”
Fresh Snowfall, Light Rain In Kashmir Valley
Following a dry spell that had persisted since early November, widespread snowfall and light rain began in Jammu and Kashmir on Saturday night with the onset of Chillai Kalan. The Meteorological Department reported snowfall across higher elevations, including Gulmarg, Sonamarg, Pahalgam, and the Tulail Valley, while rain in the plains.
“So far, it seems to be raining mainly in Srinagar and the plains. A few lower reaches of north and central Kashmir may receive light snowfall,” the weather department said, warning of moderate to heavy snowfall in the higher reaches of Kupwara, Bandipora and Ganderbal.
Gulmarg, the coldest station, recorded a maximum of 3.4 degrees Celsius and a minimum of -1.5 degrees Celsius, while Pahalgam in south Kashmir experienced a maximum of 5.6 degrees Celsius and a minimum of 2.8 degrees Celsius. Daytime temperatures in Srinagar hovered around 6 degrees Celsius, while the night temperature settled at 4 degrees Celsius.
Snowfall Triggers Road Closures In Kashmir Valley
Fresh snowfall in the valley led to significant disruptions on Sunday, prompting the closure of key mountain passes and the cancellation of several flights at Srinagar International Airport. In view of snow accumulation and slippery conditions, the Srinagar-Leh (SSG) Highway and the Mughal Road, which links the Valley to the Pir Panjal region, were closed for vehicular movement.
ALSO READ: WATCH: Sonmarg Transformed Into Winter Wonderland With Fresh Snowfall In Kashmir Valley
The Srinagar-Jammu Highway remained open for two-way traffic amid heavy snowfall. The traffic department halted tempo travellers, passenger service vehicles (PSVs), and vehicles carrying more than 10 passengers betweenTangmarg and Gulmarg.
SSP Traffic (Rural) Ravinder Pal Singh said, “Passengers shall be allowed towards Gulmarg only in light motor vehicles equipped with anti-skid chains. No vehicle without proper anti-skid chains will be permitted from Tangmarg to Gulmarg.”
Authorities have urged commuters to plan their travel accordingly and follow official traffic guidelines to avoid inconvenience.