SRINAGAR, Dec 21: Kashmir Valley experienced an unusual temperature spike on Sunday despite the onset of ‘Chillai-Kalan’—the region’s fiercest 40-day winter phase—as fresh snowfall blanketed higher reaches and rain lashed the plains, pushing minimum temperatures well above seasonal norms across most stations, Meteorological Department officials reported.
Srinagar notched its warmest winter night so far at 4°C—six degrees above average—thanks to persistent overcast skies trapping heat, while delivering long-awaited precipitation that ended a prolonged dry spell and replenished water tables amid health concerns from extended aridity. Only Gulmarg in north Kashmir stayed sub-zero at -1.5°C (still five degrees warmer than normal), with other key spots like Pahalgam in Anantnag logging 2.5-3.8°C.
The MeT office forecasts moderate to heavy snowfall in upper reaches and light to moderate rain in plains over the next few days, signaling intensified Western Disturbance activity that could disrupt travel and power amid the harsh winter peak. Officials urged preparedness as the weather shift brings both relief from dryness and risks of avalanches and flooding in vulnerable areas.
