Extreme cold conditions in Valley

Valley has again been gripped under severe cold wave as the  temperatures dipped down to zero degree Celsius, giving Kashmir one of the coldest days of the season.Following poor visibility at the airport here a number of Srinagar bound flights were cancelled from different parts of the country. Two Indian Airlines flights for Hajj pilgrims were also cancelled. During the day, Srinagar recorded 0.2 degree Celsius, Qazigund  recorded minus 0.8 degrees, Pahalgam minus 1.6,  Kokernag 0.7degree, Kupwara 0.9 and Gulmarg  recorded minus 1.0 degree Celsius.

However the weatherman has ruled out the possibility of any snow or rainfall in the Valley.“Valley will remain cold till tomorrow. But there is no possibility of rain or snowfall at least for a week,” said  Sonum Lotus, Director Meteorological Department. Sonum said it will remain overcast and hazy till tomorrow.“There will be poor visibility during the morning and evening hours also. The weather will improve from tomorrow evening,” said Sonum.He informed that no rain or snowfall has been experienced on the higher reaches of the Valley as well. “It will remain cold but dry,” Sonum said.

While Kashmir reels under chill, the ‘Chillai Kalaan’ is 20 days away.  Lasting for forty days, chillai kalaan, which begins on December 21, is believed  to be the coldest part of the whole winter season of Kashmir. People make preparation to tackle the chill of this season weeks before its onset. Besides warm clothes, the dwellings are also equipped with heating gadgets. The schools and other educational institutions are closed down for winter vacations. Once the period of chillai kalaan is over, twenty days long chillai khurd (meaning small chilla) is welcomed.

This period is believed to bring warmth to the air and thus a change in season. This is followed by third part of the winter, chillai bachch. During the 10 days period of chillai bachch, Kashmiris believe that the chill in water breaks and becomes warmer. Once the chillai bachch is over, the soil gets warmness, as people here believe.