Srinagar: As the Chillai-Kalan, 40-day-harshest winter period has begun in Kashmir, sub-zero temperatures continue with MeT predicting the possibility of light rain and snow over higher reaches of the valley within the next 24 hours.
The drop in temperature has resulted in the freezing of many slow-moving water bodies while many children are suffering from respiratory issues as the cold dry conditions prevail.
The 'Chilla-i-Kalan' is the 40-day harshest winter period when a cold wave grips the region and the temperature drops considerably leading to the freezing of water bodies, including the famous Dal Lake.
The chances of snowfall are the most frequent and maximum during this period and most areas, especially the higher reaches, receive heavy snowfall.
While 'Chillai-Kalan' begins on December 21 , it will end on January 31.
The cold wave continues even after that in Kashmir with a 20-day-long 'Chillai-Khurd' (small cold) and a 10-day-long 'Chillai-Bachha' (baby cold).
As per MeT official, Srinagar recorded a minimum temperature of -3.3°C, below normal by 1.3°C against the previous night.
In south Kashmir’s Qazigund, the gateway town of Kashmir valley, a minimum temperature of -3.0C was recorded, while Kokernag logged a minimum temperature of -2.4°C, Pahalgam, the top tourist resort also recorded a minimum temperature of -4.8
In north Kashmir’s Kupwara, the mercury settled -3.4°C was recorded whereas Gulmarg logged a minimum temperature of - 1.0°C.
Meanwhile, the Jammu region also recorded a minimum temperature of 8.5°C against 7.3°C on the previous night.
(GNS inputs)