SRINAGAR, Jan 31: Night temperatures remained below freezing across Kashmir, though readings rose in most areas, officials said, as Saturday marked the beginning of ‘Chillai Khurd’ and the end of the harshest winter period.
The Meteorological Department has forecast light to moderate rain or snow, especially in higher reaches.
In Srinagar city, the minimum temperature settled at minus 0.1 degrees Celsius on Friday night, down from 1.3 degrees Celsius the previous night, but 0.5 degrees above the seasonal normal.
Temperature data for several places, including Sonamarg in Ganderbal district, was not available. However, the ski resort of Gulmarg in Baramulla district recorded the coldest temperature in Jammu and Kashmir at minus 6.5 degrees Celsius, up from minus 10.6 degrees the previous night.
Pahalgam in south Kashmir recorded a low of minus 2.6 degrees Celsius, up from minus 5.3 degrees, while Qazigund recorded minus 2.2 degrees, Kokernag minus 3.0 degrees, and Kupwara minus 2.5 degrees Celsius.
The 20-day ‘Chillai Khurd’ (small cold) began on Saturday, following the 40-day harshest winter period, ‘Chillai-Kalan’. Chillai Khurd will be followed by the 10-day ‘Chillai Bachha’ (baby cold).
The Meteorological Department said the weather is expected to remain cloudy, with the possibility of light to moderate rain or snow, especially in higher reaches, along with thunder or gusty winds at several places on Saturday and Sunday. Light rain, with snow in higher reaches, is also possible at scattered to many locations on February 2–3. (Agencies)
