Kashmir embraces season’s first major snowfall as 'Chillai-Kalan' concludes

Snowfall sparks optimism for agriculture, water resources, & winter tourism in the region

The Kashmir Valley welcomed the season's first major snowfall on Thursday as the 40-day harsh winter period— 'Chillai-Kalan' concluded on January 29.

Recent snowfall covers valley

While the valley experienced a prolonged dry spell earlier in the winter, with no snowfall in the plains, the recent snowfall, according to the meteorological officials covered middle and higher reaches in several districts with accumulations of around one foot.

Meteorological department officials, as per the Ground report reported that over the last 24 hours until 0830 hours Thursday morning, 10 to 15 inches of snowfall was recorded over middle and higher reaches of districts, including Kupwara, Bandipora, Ganderbal, Baramulla, Badgam, Anantnag, Kulgam, and Shopian.

Lower reaches and plains of North, North-western, and South Kashmir received 6-8 inches of snow. Central Kashmir, including Srinagar, had a thin blanket of 2-4 inches of snow.

They said that in addition to the snowfall, light to moderate rain with thunder occurred over Jammu Division, along with the light snow over a few middle and higher reaches.

Forecast: Cloudy with light snow in coming days

Meanwhile, the meteorological department has forecasted generally cloudy weather with light snow at some places until the afternoon of February 1, followed by gradual improvement.

A MeT official said the forecast for February 2 suggests generally dry weather with a possibility of very light snow at isolated higher reaches.

“From February 3–4, there is a potential for light to moderate snow and rain (Jammu) at many places in J&K. From February 5th-12, generally dry weather is expected”, the officials said.

The weather officials said that the night temperatures dropped across the region, with Srinagar recording a low of 0.2°C, Qazigund at minus 0.4°C, Pahalgam at minus 4.1°C, Kokernag at minus 1.4°C, Kupwara at minus 0.7°C, and Gulmarg at minus 7.6°C, while Jammu recorded a minimum of 7.2°C.

Pertinent to mention that as the 40-day harsh winter phase, 'Chillai-Kalan' ended on January 29, Kashmir is currently in the middle of the 20-day-long winter period— 'Chillai-Khurd,' which ends on February 19, followed by a 10-day-long period of 'Chillai-Bachha' (baby cold) starting from February 20 to March 1.

Snowfall revives hope in Kashmir

The recent snowfall represents a notable departure from the earlier snow drought witnessed this winter, causing severe apprehensions about its impact on the local ecology and livelihoods.

The prevailing weather patterns have now sparked optimism for the region's agriculture, water resources, and economic activities linked to winter tourism. This shift in conditions brings renewed hope for these crucial aspects of the community.

Notably, the fate of the fourth edition of the Khelo India national winter games, slated for February 2 to 6 at Gulmarg, also remained uncertain due to a lack of sufficient snowfall for holding any of the winter sports in the region.

However, despite the ongoing dry spell, officials express readiness to host the mega event, emphasizing that a decision will be made based on the weather forecasts and prevailing weather conditions.

The fresh turnaround in the weather conditions has raised fresh hopes among the winter sports lovers and athletes, anticipating to take part in winter sports activities in the region.

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