Cold wave conditions improved across Jammu and Kashmir on Saturday following the end of Chillai-Kalan — the harshest 40-day winter period — on Friday night, officials said.
The period concluded with moderate to heavy snowfall across widespread parts of the Union Territory. While the plains received relatively less snow than higher altitudes, temperatures rose at most weather stations in the Valley.
Popular tourist destinations continued to experience cold and sub-zero conditions on Friday night.
“The summer capital recorded a minimum temperature of minus 0.1 degrees Celsius, up from minus 1.3 degrees Celsius on Thursday night,” the Meteorological Department said.
Sonamarg’s temperature data was unavailable, while Gulmarg remained the coldest place, with a minimum of minus 6.5 degrees Celsius — up from minus 10.6 degrees Celsius on Thursday night. Pahalgam recorded minus 2.5 degrees Celsius, while Qazigund, the gateway to Kashmir, recorded a minimum of 2.2 degrees Celsius.
According to the Meteorological Department, the majority of weather stations in the Kashmir Valley — including those in the north, south, and central regions — reported improved conditions on Saturday.
Higher reaches continued to witness intermittent snowfall, while the plains also received fresh snowfall on January 23 and January 27, ending a prolonged dry spell.
In the Jammu region, minimum temperatures on Friday night hovered around 8–10 degrees Celsius, while other weather stations in the division also reported improved weather conditions on Friday night.
Meanwhile, the MeT office in Srinagar has forecast a fresh spell of rain and snowfall likely from February 1, affecting widespread parts of Jammu and Kashmir.
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