j-k-climate-concerns-rise-as-chillai-kalan-ends-with-dry-spell

The annual 40-day harsh winter period, Chillai Kalan, has ended in Jammu and Kashmir, with persistent intense cold wave conditions in the valley amid an extended dry spell.

 

While the famous tourist destination Sonamarg received fresh snowfall on Wednesday, the majority of the Kashmir Valley remained devoid of significant precipitation, exacerbating concerns over water availability and snowfall deficit.

 

Though MeT has predicted a fresh spell of light rain and snow in the Kashmir Valley from today, particularly in the northern districts. Another Western Disturbance is forecast between January 31 and February 2, with a stronger and more active weather system likely to impact J&K from February 3 to 5.

 

Dry weather and sunny conditions have led to a rise in daytime temperatures across the valley, while sub-zero temperatures continue to grip the valley during night-time.

 

In South Kashmir, Qazigund recorded a minimum temperature of minus 0.1 degrees Celsius, Kokernag 1.3 degrees Celsius, and Pulwama minus 1.7 degrees Celsius.

 

North Kashmir districts also recorded cold conditions, with Kupwara registering 1.0 degrees Celsius and Baramulla 0.8 degrees Celsius. 

 

Also read: Met predicts week-long wet spell across J&K from Jan 29

 

Meanwhile, in Central Kashmir, Budgam saw a minimum of minus 0.6 degrees Celsius, Sonamarg minus 0.7 degrees Celsius, and Ganderbal remained relatively warmer at 2.1 degrees Celsius.

 

Meanwhile, the cold wave continues to grip Ladakh, where Leh recorded a minimum temperature of minus 5.9 degrees Celsius, Kargil minus 4.9 degrees Celsius, and Drass, known as the second coldest inhabited place in the world, plummeted to minus 7.5 degrees Celsius.

 

The prolonged dry spell has raised serious concerns among the community, which is largely associated with farming.

 

Experts warn that the unusual dry spell during Chillai Kalan and sunny conditions are signalling an alarming climate change.

 

Jammu and Kashmir is one of the sensitive regions of the country that is at the forefront of the climate change crisis.