Srinagar/Leh: The intense 40-day winter period known as ‘Chillai Kalan’ officially commenced in Jammu and Kashmir on Sunday, bringing the season’s first significant snowfall to several high-altitude regions. As the year draws to a close, temperatures have plummeted across the northern Himalayan belt and the plains of North India.
Kashmir and Ladakh Turn White
Chillai Kalan, which runs from December 21 to January 31, is characterized by sub-zero temperatures and the freezing of natural water bodies.
- Snowfall Reports: While Srinagar experienced dense fog, Sonamarg in Ganderbal and several areas in Leh-Ladakh woke up to thick blankets of snow.
- Freezing Temperatures: Gulmarg recorded a low of -1.5°C, while Leh saw temperatures dip to -1.6°C. Other regions like Kargil and Pahalgam are also witnessing a steady decline in mercury.
- Iconic Sights: Visuals from the Dal Lake show shikaras navigating through icy waters and frosty landscapes, a hallmark of this severe winter phase.
Fog and Dry Spells in Himachal and Uttarakhand
While the higher reaches are seeing snow, other Himalayan states are dealing with extreme dryness and visibility issues.
- Himachal Pradesh: The state is facing a 100% rainfall deficit this December. A ‘yellow warning’ for dense fog has been issued for regions around the Bhakra Nangal dam and Mandi district. Kukumseri remains the coldest spot at -2.4°C.
- Uttarakhand: Pithoragarh recorded a low of 5°C, though the state is still awaiting its first major spell of rain or snow for the month.
Impact on the Plains (Delhi-NCR, Punjab, Haryana)
The “brunt” of the cold wave has extended to the National Capital Region and neighboring states.
- Visibility Crisis: Intensely foggy conditions have shrouded Delhi, Punjab, and Uttar Pradesh, significantly disrupting air traffic, train schedules, and daily road commutes.
- Advisories: Authorities have urged residents to take precautions against the biting cold and to stay updated on weather alerts, particularly regarding sudden snowfall in hilly terrains.