On the last day of the 40-day harsh winter cold, known as the ‘Chillai Kalan’, Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, saw its minimum temperature rise above freezing for the first time in over a month. The Meteorological Department reported 1.3 degrees Celsius in Srinagar, minus 9 degrees Celsius in Gulmarg, and minus 5.3 degrees Celsius in Pahalgam.
In Jammu city, the weather has also improved with minimum temperatures recorded at 9.3 degrees Celsius, 8.4 in Katra town, 3.2 in Batote, 1.1 in Banihal, and minus 1 degree Celsius in Bhaderwah. Chillai Kalan, which began on December 21, marks the end of the 40-day period known for significant snowfall in Jammu and Kashmir.
The MeT Department has predicted the arrival of another Western Disturbance (WD) in Jammu and Kashmir, bringing expected rain or snow on February 1. Farmers are advised to halt agricultural activities until February 2, while travelers are urged to check with traffic control rooms before embarking on journeys along the Srinagar-Jammu national highway.
