Srinagar, Dec 21 (JKNS): The harshest 40-day winter phase of Kashmir, known as Chilla-e-Kalan, commenced on the intervening night of Saturday and Sunday, ushering in a significant shift in weather conditions across the Valley.
The beginning of Chilla-e-Kalan coincided with widespread rain and snowfall, effectively ending the prolonged dry spell that had triggered dense fog, smog, and poor air quality in several parts of Kashmir.
While higher reaches received fresh snowfall, the plains experienced intermittent rainfall, bringing visible improvement in atmospheric conditions, as per news agency JKNS.
Officials said, the fresh precipitation helped disperse accumulated pollutants, leading to better visibility and improved air quality, especially in urban centres that had been grappling with low AQI levels over the past week.
Weatherman has forecast more rain and snowfall over the next 48 hours, with moderate snowfall expected at higher altitudes and continued cold conditions across the region. Authorities have advised people to exercise caution while travelling, particularly in snow-bound and mountainous areas, as temperatures are expected to dip further during this period.
Chilla-e-Kalan, the coldest phase of Kashmir’s winter, lasts for 40 days and is followed by the relatively milder Chilla-e-Khurd and Chilla-e-Bachha phases.
Meanwhile, traffic authorities informed that vehicular movement on the Jammu–Srinagar National Highway (NH-44) is continuing from both sides despite inclement weather. However, the Mughal Road, Sinthan Pass and Srinagar–Sonamarg–Gumri (SSG) road remain closed due to snow accumulation. Commuters have been advised not to rely on rumours and to check official traffic updates through the Traffic Police social media handles and Traffic Control Units.
Independent weather forecaster Faizan Arif Keng told JKNS that light snowfall is currently being reported in higher reaches of Jammu and Kashmir, with around 1 to 2 inches of fresh snow recorded at Gulmarg and Sonamarg, while Sadhna Top has received nearly 6 inches. The plains continue to witness light, intermittent rain.
He said weather activity is likely to intensify as the day progresses, with rain dominating the plains and a moderate spell of snowfall expected in higher reaches. “If moderate rainfall continues into late afternoon or evening, temperatures may fall enough to trigger snowfall at a few places even in the plains,” he added.
The fresh spell of precipitation has brought much-needed relief to the region, which had been witnessing unusually dry and polluted weather conditions at the onset of winter, he said. (JKNS)
