Srinagar- Kashmir enters Chillai Kalan, the harshest 40-day winter period today as the Meteorological Department forecast an active weather spell with snowfall in higher reaches and rain in the plains across Jammu and Kashmir.

Chillai Kalan, a Persian term meaning “major cold,” marks the coldest phase of winter in the Valley and will continue for forty days till January 31. It is followed by Chillai Khurd (January 31 to February 19) and Chillai Bacha (February 20 to March 2).

The weather department has predicted light to moderate snowfall over higher reaches and light to moderate rain at many places in the plains from the evening of December 20 to December 21. On December 22, light rain or snowfall is likely at scattered locations, followed by partly cloudy conditions till December 30. There is also a possibility of light snowfall at isolated higher reaches on December 31.

Meanwhile, minimum temperatures across Jammu and Kashmir showed marginal improvement on Saturday compared to the previous day, though cold conditions continued to prevail. As per data compiled by the news agency Kashmir News Observer, fresh snowfall began late Saturday evening in the Warwan Valley, Sinthan Top, Razdan Pass and Sadhna Top in north Kashmir and other upper reaches. The Zojila Pass on the Srinagar–Ladakh highway also received fresh snowfall.

In the Kashmir Valley, Pulwama recorded the coldest night at minus 3.2 degrees Celsius, improving from minus 4.0 degrees Celsius a day earlier. Shopian recorded minus 2.9 degrees Celsius, Pampore minus 2.0 degrees Celsius, and Srinagar city minus 0.4 degrees Celsius, significantly warmer than Friday’s minus 2.1 degrees Celsius. Srinagar Airport recorded a minimum of minus 1.6 degrees Celsius, while Qazigund and Pahalgam settled at minus 1.0 degrees Celsius each.

Kupwara recorded minus 0.7 degrees Celsius, Baramulla minus 1.5 degrees Celsius and Bandipora minus 0.9 degrees Celsius. Gulmarg, the ski resort, recorded a minimum of 2.0 degrees Celsius.

In the Jammu region, Jammu city recorded 9.3 degrees Celsius, while Jammu Airport settled at 11.0 degrees Celsius. Banihal recorded 3.8 degrees Celsius and Bhaderwah 4.4 degrees Celsius. In Ladakh, Leh recorded minus 4.2 degrees Celsius, while Kargil recorded minus 4.0 degrees Celsius.

An advisory has been issued warning that higher reaches of Kupwara, Bandipora and Ganderbal districts may receive moderate to heavy snowfall, particularly on December 21. Authorities have advised travellers and transporters to plan journeys accordingly and strictly follow traffic and administrative advisories.

The onset of Chillai Kalan is traditionally associated with the most severe winter conditions in Kashmir, bringing challenges to daily life while also drawing tourists to snowbound destinations across the Valley.
Traffic Plan & Advisories Issued

The administration on Saturday issued a series of snowfall and traffic advisories across Kashmir as the Meteorological Department forecast rain and snowfall over the next few days, warning of possible disruption on key highways and mountain roads.

Authorities advised people to avoid non-essential travel, particularly in upper reaches, and strictly follow traffic and administrative instructions.

The Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) Kokernag cautioned commuters against travelling on the Daksum–Sinthan Top–Chhatroo road and the Gowran–Margan Top–Warwan road during snowfall, warning that vehicles must carry anti-skid devices or snow chains. Police have been authorised to close roads if found unsafe.

District Police Kupwara also issued an advisory urging residents, tourists and trekkers to avoid unnecessary travel and remain cautious on snow-bound roads. In Gurez, vehicular movement between Gurez and Bandipora has been suspended as a precautionary measure until further orders. Similarly, authorities in Gulmarg advised that heavy vehicles and vehicles without anti-skid chains should not ply on the Tangmarg–Gulmarg road until further notice.

Traffic Police Rural Kashmir advised motorists travelling on hilly roads to adhere to cut-off timings, ensure vehicle fitness and avoid roadside parking during adverse weather. Commuters were asked to plan journeys during daylight hours to reduce the risk of accidents.

Fresh snowfall was reported from Sonamarg along the Srinagar–Sonamarg–Gumri road, prompting authorities to advise the public to avoid travel on the Srinagar–Kargil route without prior confirmation of road status. Commuters have been asked to check with Traffic Control Units at Srinagar or PCR Kargil before travelling.

Meanwhile, the Traffic Police Headquarters, Jammu and Kashmir issued a detailed traffic plan and advisory for December 21 in view of adverse weather predictions. On National Highway-44, connecting Jammu and Srinagar, traffic movement has remained slow due to single-lane stretches at Balinalla, Dewal, Nashri–Dalwas and between Marog and Kishtwari Pather, compounded by the breakdown of heavy vehicles.

Travellers have been advised to undertake journeys only after confirming road status from Traffic Control Units at Jammu, Srinagar and Ramban and to follow official traffic updates. Passengers and light motor vehicle operators were asked to prefer day-time travel on NH-44 and avoid night journeys, while maintaining strict lane discipline to prevent congestion.

Subject to fair weather and improved road conditions, light motor vehicles, passenger vehicles and goods carriers will be allowed from both sides on NH-44, with movement regulated based on real-time assessment by traffic authorities.

On the Kishtwar–Sinthan–Anantnag road (NH-244), only light motor vehicles will be permitted between 1000 hrs and 1500 hrs, subject to clearance. Traffic on the Srinagar–Sonamarg–Gumri road will be allowed in a regulated manner after clearance, with strict cut-off timings. On the Mughal Road, light motor vehicles will be allowed from both sides, while restrictions remain in place for heavy vehicles.

The Meteorological Department has forecast light to moderate snowfall in higher reaches and light to moderate rain in the plains from December 20 evening to December 21 evening. Light rain or snowfall is expected at scattered places on December 22.

An advisory has warned that higher reaches of Kupwara, Bandipora and Ganderbal districts may receive moderate to heavy snowfall, particularly on December 21. Authorities have urged commuters to plan travel judiciously and strictly adhere to advisories to avoid inconvenience and accidents.