Srinagar- Night temperatures saw a significant rise across most parts of the Kashmir Valley on Friday as Chillai Kalan, the harshest 40-day phase of winter, officially came to an end, providing much-needed relief from the prolonged cold spell, as per officials.

Several areas, including the summer capital Srinagar, registered minimum temperatures above the freezing point. Srinagar recorded a low of 1.3 degrees Celsius, marking a notable increase from the previous night’s minus 0.6 degrees and 2.2 degrees higher than the seasonal average, according to the Meteorological Department.

Other regions in south and central Kashmir also experienced milder nights. Konibal reported a minimum temperature of 1.0 degrees Celsius, while Pulwama and Kulgam recorded lows of 0.1 degrees and 1.1 degrees Celsius, respectively. Most weather stations in the Valley observed temperatures above the seasonal norm.

Despite the overall warming trend, higher-altitude areas continued to face harsh cold conditions. Sonamarg in Ganderbal district emerged as the coldest spot in Jammu and Kashmir, with the temperature dropping to minus 10.6 degrees Celsius, slightly higher than the previous night’s minus 11.2 degrees. The renowned ski resort of Gulmarg noted a minimum temperature of minus 9 degrees, whereas Pahalgam in south Kashmir registered minus 5.3 degrees Celsius.

In Qazigund, the minimum temperature settled at minus 0.3 degrees Celsius, while Kokernag and Kupwara recorded lows of minus 0.6 degrees and minus 3.1 degrees, respectively.

Chillai Kalan, which commenced on December 21, is typically characterized by freezing temperatures and heavy snowfall. This year, the period witnessed several snowfall episodes in the upper regions, while the plains, including Srinagar, received light to moderate snowfall.

With the conclusion of Chillai Kalan, the region has now entered Chillai Khurd, a relatively milder 20-day phase of winter, followed by the 10-day Chillai Bachha. However, officials have advised against complacency, warning of a new western disturbance expected to impact the region from Sunday, possibly bringing another round of rain and snowfall.