Srinagar, Dec 20: As Kashmir continues to remain under the grip of severe cold wave , the 40-day harshest winter period in valley, known as ‘Chillai-Kalan,’ is set to commence on Today. The Meteorological Department has forecasted dry and clear weather to continue till December 28.
On Wednesday, several parts of Kashmir witnessed sub-zero temperatures resulting in the partial freezing of water bodies, including Dal and Nigeen lakes. While tapes and water bodies remained frozen in most parts of the Valley.
Director Meteorological Department, Dr. Mukhtar Ahmad told Rising Kashmir that they are expecting a further drop in minimum temperatures. He said during the next three to four days, there will be warmer days and colder nights in the region.
Dr. Mukhtar said from 23rd December, there is a possibility of cloudy forecast with possibility of light snow over isolated higher reaches. Overall, there is no significant weather activity till 28th December, he said.
As per MeT data, Srinagar recorded a minimum temperature of minus 4.4 degrees Celsius and Pahalgam minus 6.3 and Gulmarg minus 4.4 degrees Celsius.
Qazigund recorded a minimum of minus 4.0°C, Kokernag minus 3.3°C against minus 3.1°C, Kupwara settled at minus 3.5°C, Jammu recorded at 6.4°C, Banihal recorded 5.4°C, Batote 5.0°C and Bhaderwah settled at 1.4°C.
‘Chillai-Kalan’ commences on December 21 and concludes on January 31, followed by an extended cold wave with ‘Chillai-Khurd’ ,lasting for 20 days and ‘Chillai-Bachha’ persisting for 10 days in Kashmir.
Meanwhile, a traffic police spokesman said that subject to fair weather and better road conditions on Friday, LMVs Passenger/Private Cars/HMVs/Load Carriers shall be allowed from both sides on Jammu-Srinagar NHW (NH-44) viz Jammu towards Srinagar and vice-versa. Commuters are advised to follow lane discipline, he said.
On Sonamarg-Leh road, vehicular movement shall be allowed from both sides viz Srinagar towards Kargil and vice-versa. LMVs followed by HMVs shall be allowed from Minamarg towards Srinagar at 0730 hrs. to 1100 hrs.
“ SFs Convoy, plying from Srinagar to Kargil, shall leave Srinagar at 0800 hrs. SFs Convoy plying from Drass to Srinagar shall plan their movement in such a manner so that Civil Traffic doesn’t get disturbed,” spokesman said.
On Mughal Road, vehicular movement on Mughal Road shall be allowed from both sides viz. Poonch towards Shopian and vice versa. These vehicles shall be allowed from Behramgalla (Buffliaz) and Herpora (Shopian) at 0600 hrs. upto 1800 hrs. No vehicle shall be allowed after cut off timings, it said.
