Srinagar, 4 January – Jammu and Kashmir experienced a significant drop in temperatures on Sunday, with minimum temperatures plunging several degrees below the freezing point across the valley due to intensifying cold.

On Saturday night, the sky was partly clear, leading to widespread sub-zero temperatures as the plains saw no snowfall, resulting in continued dry and cold weather.

The minimum temperatures recorded were minus 3.2 degrees Celsius in Srinagar, minus 6.5 degrees Celsius in Gulmarg, and minus 4 degrees Celsius in Pahalgam.

In Jammu city, the minimum temperature stood at 10 degrees Celsius, 7 degrees Celsius in Katra, 1.9 degrees Celsius in Batote, minus 0.9 degrees Celsius in Banihal, and minus 1.6 degrees Celsius in Bhaderwah.

The absence of heavy snowfall and the delay in the season’s first snowfall in the valley’s plains have raised considerable concern, especially as the 40-day harsh cold period known as ‘Chillai Kalan’, which began on 21 December, has yet to bring significant snow.

Chillai Kalan is set to end on 30 January. The meteorological department has forecast dry weather in Jammu and Kashmir until 20 January. If heavy snowfall does not occur during Chillai Kalan, Jammu and Kashmir could face serious challenges during the summer months.

The lack of substantial winter snowfall threatens not only irrigation but also the fundamental human need for drinking water. All rivers, streams, wells, and lakes in Jammu and Kashmir are fed by perennial water reserves located in the mountains, which are replenished by heavy snowfall during winter.