As the 40-day period of peak winter known as Chillai Kalan begins on December 21, Kashmir stands on the verge of a significant weather shift. Following a forecast from the Meteorological Department, the region is bracing for the end of a persistent two-month dry spell with anticipated rain and heavy snowfall.
Weather Forecast and Safety Measures
The weather office predicts rain across the plains and moderate to heavy snowfall in the mountains starting Saturday night. In response, authorities in Baramulla, Kupwara, and Bandipora have issued safety advisories, urging residents in high-altitude areas to remain indoors to avoid the risks associated with heavy snow.
Health and Environmental Impact
The prolonged dry weather has led to a surge in respiratory illnesses and a spike in air pollution. Pulmonologists note that the lack of precipitation has allowed Suspended Particulate Matter (SPM) to accumulate. The incoming rain and snow are expected to:
- Purify the air by washing away pollutants.
- Alleviate chest ailments currently affecting the population.
- Replenish water bodies such as rivers, streams, and springs, which are currently at critically low levels.
Tourism and Ecology
The lack of snow has particularly impacted Gulmarg, where the absence of white slopes threatened Christmas and New Year tourism. Beyond leisure, the snowfall during Chillai Kalan is ecologically vital; it acts as a frozen reservoir that sustains J&K’s water supply throughout the summer, preventing seasonal droughts.
Current Temperature Snapshot
| Location | Min. Temperature (°C) |
| Srinagar | -0.4 |
| Pahalgam | -1.0 |
| Gulmarg | 2.0 |
| Jammu | 9.3 |
| Katra | 10.0 |
| Banihal | 3.8 |
| Bhaderwah | 4.4 |
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