By FAIZAN ARIF
The harshest phase of winter, Chillai-Kalan, is set to intensify across Jammu and Kashmir from tomorrow, with cold-wave conditions likely to prevail for the next four days, according to Kashmir Weather.
According to forecast, minimum temperatures in the Kashmir plains are expected to dip sharply, ranging between –4°C and –9°C, while higher reaches may witness extreme cold with temperatures hovering between –6°C and –13°C. In the Jammu plains, minimum temperatures are likely to stay between 0°C and 6°C.
Barring weak Western Disturbances, no major weather system is expected to affect the region until January 17. However, isolated rain or snowfall over higher elevations cannot be ruled out around January 12–13.
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With largely dry weather conditions prevailing, water levels in rivers and streams are expected to continue falling, raising concerns over water availability in the coming days.
Chillai-Kalan, the 40-day period of intense cold, is considered the most severe winter phase in Kashmir, during which snowfall freezes water bodies and daily life is significantly affected.
