2025 Mar 15, 01:29
Srinagar is experiencing a severe cold wave as minimum temperatures in several parts of Kashmir have dropped below minus three degrees Celsius. This chilly period, known as "Chilla-i-Kalan," lasts for 40 days and is characterized by significantly dropping temperatures and freezing water bodies. The famous Dal Lake is also frozen during this time. The chances of snowfall are highest during this period, especially in the higher regions of Kashmir
The current wave will last until January 31, followed by "Chilla-i-Khurd" for 20 days and "Chilla-i-Bachha" for 10 days. On Wednesday night, the minimum temperature in Srinagar dropped to minus 3.3 degrees Celsius, down from minus 2.6 degrees Celsius the previous night. The fog was dense, causing visibility to drop to below 50 meters in Srinagar city and its surrounding areas. The transport department has urged motorists to exercise caution due to these challenging foggy conditions, which are being described as the worst in recent memory. While the fog has not impacted operations at Srinagar International Airport, flights arriving from other cities like Delhi are experiencing delays due to adverse weather conditions in those areas, as reported by the Airports Authority of India (AAI).