Srinagar witnessed its coldest December night in five decades at minus 8.5°C as Chillai Kalan officially kicked off in Kashmir on Saturday. The cold wave was so intense that even the surface of Dal Lake froze. As of Sunday morning, Srinagar’s temperature was minus 3.2°C.
Srinagar Witnesses Coldest December In Half A Century
The 40-day-long period of harsh winters, also known as Chillai Kalan, started in Kashmir on Saturday. At minus 8.5°C, it was Srinagar’s coldest December night since 1974. According to Hindustan Times, the city recorded a temperature of minus 10.3°C that year. Reportedly, Srinagar’s lowest-ever minimum temperature reported in December was minus 12.8°C on December 13, 1934.
As per the meteorological department, it was Srinagar’s coldest winter night in almost five decades and the third coldest since 1891. As for now, Chillai Kalan will conclude on January 31, 2025. However, as per experts, the cold wave conditions will continue in the valley even after this period. A 20-day Chillai Khurd (small cold) and a 10-day Chillai-Bachha (baby cold) will begin after this 40-day mark, Hindustan Times reported.
Dal Lake Freezes As Temperature Plunges
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah took to X (formerly Twitter) to mention that he will “personally monitor” the arrangements made for the harsh winter period. According to NDTV, the meteorological office has predicted dry weather till December 26. After that, they forecasted a possibility of light snowfall in the higher reaches of the valley. Furthermore, they have predicted light snow over the higher reaches from the afternoon of December 27 to the afternoon of December 28. After that, light snowfall is expected in the higher reaches on New Year’s Eve.
As per visuals surfacing online, the Dal Lake has frozen after the temperatures plunged on Saturday. Boat owners were seen breaking into the ice to move their Shikaras. Some were even seen clicking pictures showing the thick layer of ice that is now covering the famous lake of Kashmir.
Also Read: IMD Issues Orange Alert For Hamirpur, Mandi, And More As Heavy Snowfall Hits Himachal Pradesh
So, if you’re planning a trip to Kashmir anytime soon, make sure you pack well and carry as many layers of warm clothes as possible!
Cover Image Courtesy: X/@basiitzargar & X/@ahmedalifayyaz
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