Kashmir has officially entered Chilla-e-Kalan, the harshest 40-day phase of winter, marked by a dramatic shift in weather that has finally broken a long and dusty dry spell.
The onset of this period on the night of December 20-21 coincided with widespread rain and snow, providing much-needed relief from the dense fog and poor air quality that had plagued the Valley in recent weeks.
Weather Highlights & Impact
The arrival of precipitation has acted as a natural cleanser for the region’s atmosphere:
- Air Quality: Officials noted that the rain and snow dispersed accumulated pollutants, significantly improving visibility and AQI levels in urban centers.
- Snowfall Totals: Higher reaches like Gulmarg and Sonamarg recorded 1–2 inches of snow, while Sadhna Top saw nearly 6 inches.
- The Plains: While currently seeing intermittent rain, forecasters suggest that if temperatures continue to drop, the plains could see a transition to snowfall by late evening.
Travel and Safety Advisory
While the weather brings relief to the environment, it creates challenges for commuters.
| Route | Status | Note |
| Jammu–Srinagar NH-44 | Open | Traffic moving from both sides. |
| Mughal Road | Closed | Blocked due to snow accumulation. |
| Srinagar–Sonamarg–Gumri | Closed | High-altitude snow blockages. |
| Sinthan Pass | Closed | Impassable due to fresh snow. |
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