Excelsior Correspondent
Srinagar, Dec 21: Mercury dropped several notches below the freezing point at many places across Kashmir with the beginning of ‘Chilla-i-Kalan’, the 40-day harshest part of winter in the Valley today.
Srinagar recorded a low of minus 4.3 degrees Celsius last night, down from the previous night’s minus 3.7 degrees Celsius. The minimum temperature was minus 2.8 degree Celsius below normal.
The day temperature of the city, however, settled at 10.8 degrees Celsius which is 1.8 degrees Celsius above normal for this time of the year.
Pahalgam recorded a minimum temperature of minus 5.8 degrees Celsius which is minus 1.4 degrees Celsius below normal for the place at this time of the year. The day temperature of the place settled 10.8 degrees Celsius which is 3.8 degrees Celsius above normal.
The ski resort of Gulmarg recorded a low of minus 3.0 degrees Celsius which is 1.8 degrees Celsius above normal for this time of the year.
Qazigund recorded a low of minus 4.0 degrees Celsius which is minus 2.4 degrees Celsius below normal for this time of the year. The day temperature settled at 12. 0 degrees Celsius which is 2.5 degrees Celsius above normal for this time of the year.
Kokernag town saw the mercury settle at minus 3.0 degrees Celsius which is 1.3 degrees Celsius below normal for this time of the year. The day temperature of the place settled at 10.5 degrees Celsius which is 2.7 degrees Celsius above normal for the place.
Kupwara recorded a low of minus 4.0 degrees Celsius which is 1.6 degrees Celsius below normal. The day temperature of the place settled at 11.3 degrees Celsius which is 2.5 degrees Celsius above normal.
The weatherman has forecast generally dry weather over the next few days in Kashmir.
The drop in temperature has resulted in the freezing of many slow-moving water bodies. It has also resulted in the freezing of water supply pipes in some areas.
The drop in temperature has resulted in an increase in respiratory problems among children and elderly.
‘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 here, as well as the water supply lines in several parts of the Valley.
The chances of snowfall are the most frequent and maximum during this period and most areas, especially in the higher reaches, receive heavy snowfall.
‘Chilla-i-Kalan’ will end on January 31. The cold wave continues even after that in Kashmir with a 20-day-long ‘Chilla-i-Khurd’ (small cold) and a 10-day-long ‘Chillai-Bachha’ (baby cold).
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