Kashmir is experiencing unusual weather patterns this winter, with temperatures in Srinagar showing significant deviations from normal, according to data from the meteorological department. Over the past 24 hours, the combined difference in maximum and minimum temperatures in Srinagar has been nearly 10 degrees.
On Monday night, Srinagar recorded a low of minus 4.3 degrees Celsius, which is 3.4 degrees below the average minimum for this time of year. Meanwhile, the city’s maximum temperature was 14.2 degrees Celsius, a significant 6.4 degrees higher than the normal daytime temperature.
Pahalgam, a key base camp for the Amarnath Yatra in south Kashmir, recorded a minimum temperature of minus 6.6 degrees Celsius, which is 1.1 degrees below normal. However, the maximum temperature in Pahalgam reached 11.6 degrees Celsius, over six degrees above the usual level.
In the north Kashmir resort of Gulmarg, famous for skiing, the minimum temperature stood at minus 5.0 degrees Celsius, milder than the expected minus 7.6 degrees Celsius. In Qazigund, the gateway town to the Valley, the minimum temperature was minus 4.1 degrees Celsius, 1.6 degrees below the average. The maximum temperature in Qazigund climbed to 15 degrees Celsius, nearly eight degrees above normal.
The meteorological department has forecast dry weather over the next 24 hours, although the region remains in the grip of ‘Chillai-Kalan’—the harshest phase of winter. This 40-day period, which began on December 21, is known for its biting cold and high likelihood of snowfall. ‘Chillai-Kalan’ ends on January 30, followed by the 20-day ‘Chillai-Khurd’ (small cold) and the 10-day ‘Chillai-Bachha’ (baby cold), marking a gradual transition to milder weather.
