Snow, rain likely as Kashmir braces for ‘Chillai-Kalan’

Kashmir is bracing for a fresh spell of rain and snowfall beginning Saturday evening, even as the Valley prepares for the onset of Chillai Kalan, the harshest phase of winter, starting Sunday.

Chillai Kalan—a 40-day period marked by extreme cold—begins annually on December 21 and continues until January 30. During this time, temperatures often plunge well below freezing, resulting in severe cold conditions across the Valley. The winter cycle concludes with the 10-day Chillai-Bachha (or “baby cold”) period from February 19 to 28.

With the harsh winter phase set to begin, the Meteorological Department (MeT) on Saturday forecast generally cloudy weather on December 20 and 21, with the possibility of light to moderate snowfall over higher reaches and light to moderate rain over most plain areas of Jammu and Kashmir from late Saturday night until Sunday evening.

For December 22, the MeT has predicted generally cloudy conditions with light rain or snow at scattered to fairly widespread places. From December 23 to 29, weather is expected to remain partly to generally cloudy. On December 30 and 31, there is a possibility of light snowfall at isolated higher reaches.

The MeT department has also issued a weather advisory, stating that some higher reaches of Kupwara, Bandipora, and Ganderbal districts may receive moderate to heavy snowfall, particularly on December 21.

“Travellers and transporters are advised to plan their journeys accordingly and strictly follow traffic and administrative advisories,” the department said.

Meanwhile, in view of the weather forecast and the likelihood of rain and snowfall, authorities at the popular tourist destination of Gulmarg have imposed traffic restrictions on the Tangmarg–Gulmarg road. According to an order issued by the Sub-Divisional Magistrate, Gulmarg, heavy vehicles and vehicles without anti-skid chains will not be allowed to ply on the road in either direction once rain or snowfall begins.

“The restriction shall come into effect from the onset of rains or snowfall and shall remain in force until further orders, in the interest of public safety,” the order said, urging drivers and vehicle owners to strictly adhere to the advisory to avoid accidents and inconvenience due to severe weather conditions.

It further warned that any violation or non-compliance with the directive would be dealt with sternly.