Srinagar: Amidst the persisting 'Chilla-i-Kalan' weather in Kashmir, Srinagar encountered its coldest night of the season, reporting a temperature dipping over five notches below freezing, according to officials on Sunday. On Saturday night, the minimum temperature in Srinagar reached minus 5.6 degrees Celsius, a slight decrease from the previous night's minus 5.4 degrees Celsius. 'Chilla-i-Kalan' marks a 40-day severe winter period characterized by a cold wave enveloping the region, resulting in a substantial drop in temperatures.

The Dal Lake and other water bodies in the area witnessed the formation of a thin layer of ice, a visible outcome of the prevailing intense cold wave. During this period, the likelihood of snowfall is at its peak, particularly in higher-altitude areas. However, the intense dry cold wave, along with chilly winds from the mountains, has heightened challenges for the residents of Kashmir. The absence of snowfall remains a concern among the local population.

Other noteworthy temperature readings include Qazigund at minus 5.0 degrees Celsius, Gulmarg at 4.4 degrees Celsius, and Pahalgam, a base camp for the annual Amarnath Yatra, at minus 6.5 degrees Celsius. Leh town in the Ladakh region recorded minus 15.3, and Kargil recorded minus 14.3 as the minimum temperature. Jammu city reported 3.4, Katra 6, Batote 2.1, Bhaderwah minus 0.2, and Banihal minus 2.2 as the minimum temperature. Residents of houseboats on Dal Lake faced challenges breaking the layer of ice to reach the banks, while water in pipes also froze in several parts of the Kashmir valley.

The region has been under an extended dry spell, with a recorded 79 percent rainfall deficit for December. Local hopes for sufficient water for drinking and irrigation during the summer months hinge on the remaining duration of 'Chilla-i-Kalan.' Adequate snowfall during this period will ensure enough water, otherwise, the upcoming summer could pose hardships for the locals.

Most plain areas of Kashmir have not experienced snowfall, and the upper reaches of the valley have received a lesser-than-usual amount of snow. The meteorological department has forecast mainly dry weather until January 12. The 'Chilla-i-Kalan' in Srinagar is scheduled to end on January 31. However, cold conditions are expected to persist afterward, with a 20-day 'Chilla-i-Khurd' (small cold) and a 10-day 'Chilla-i-Bachha' (baby cold).

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