Srinagar: The 40-day period of the harshest winter, locally known as ‘Chillai Kalan’, officially concluded on Thursday (Jan 29). However, if you expected an immediate respite from the bone-chilling cold, the weather gods have other plans. A persistent cold wave continues to grip the Valley today, Saturday, January 31, as the valley settles into the 20-day period of ‘Chillai Khurd’ (Small Cold).
Current Temperature Status (Jan 31)
Despite the exit of the “Big Cold,” mercury levels remain stubbornly below freezing across major stations.
- Gulmarg: Remained the coldest place in the valley, recording a minimum of -6.5°C, an improvement from the previous night’s -10.6°C but still freezing.
- Srinagar: The summer capital recorded a low of -0.1°C, slightly better than the previous night.
- Pahalgam: The tourist resort in south Kashmir froze at -2.6°C.
- Qazigund & Kupwara: Recorded -2.2°C and -2.5°C respectively.
The Forecast: Snow on the Horizon?
The Meteorological Department (MeT) has issued a fresh update for the first week of February.
- Feb 1 – Feb 2: A feeble Western Disturbance is likely to bring light to moderate snowfall in the higher reaches (Gulmarg, Sonamarg) and light rain in the plains.
- Feb 3 Onwards: The weather is expected to remain generally dry but cloudy.
- Warning: A “Yellow Alert” has been issued for neighboring Himachal Pradesh, which often influences weather patterns in J&K.
What is ‘Chillai Khurd’?
For tourists confused by the local terms:
- Chillai Kalan (Dec 21 – Jan 29): The 40-day harshest period (Ended).
- Chillai Khurd (Jan 30 – Feb 18): The 20-day “small cold” period (Current).
- Chillai Bachha (Feb 19 – Feb 28): The 10-day “baby cold” period.
Takeaway: Winter in Kashmir is far from over. Heavy woollens are still mandatory.
Why This Matters To You
- For Tourists: The slopes of Gulmarg are in perfect condition for skiing with the current sub-zero retention.
- ⚠️ Safety Tip: Watch out for “Black Ice” on walkways early morning—melted snow refreezes overnight, making paths incredibly slippery.
- For Locals: Water pipes in unprotected areas may still freeze at night.
- Travel: The Jammu-Srinagar National Highway (NH-44) is open, but slippery conditions persist near the Banihal tunnel in the early hours.
Key Highlights Box
| Feature | Status |
| 🥶 Status | Chillai Khurd Begins |
| 🌡️ Coldest | Gulmarg (-6.5°C) |
| 🌨️ Forecast | Light Snow (Feb 1-2) |
| 💡 Action | Carry heavy winter gear if traveling |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
A: No. The IMD predicts only “light rain or snow” for the plains. Heavy snowfall is restricted to higher altitudes like Gulmarg and Sonamarg.
A: Yes, the road is open, but vehicles are advised to use anti-skid chains due to slippery ice on the Tangmarg-Gulmarg stretch.
A: Yes. ‘Chillai Khurd’ is generally less harsh than Chillai Kalan, and shorter spells of sunshine are expected between the cloudy days.
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