Kashmir: As Kashmir experiences the extreme chilly of the 40-day Chilai-Kalan interval, the area is at present enduring dry and chilly circumstances, with no indicators of rain or snowfall predicted by the climate division. This atypical climate throughout December and January has not solely dissatisfied vacationers arriving in Kashmir however has additionally raised issues among the many native residents.
Thousands of vacationers have arrived in Kashmir with the anticipation of witnessing snowfall or substantial snow accumulation, notably in Gulmarg, Pehalgam, and Sonamarg. However, these areas have but to expertise any important snowfall. Despite the absence of snow, vacationers are nonetheless relishing the chilly temperatures and the frozen great thing about Dal Lake.
Talking to Zee News Vipin, a vacationer stated, “We anticipated colder weather when making reservations to witness snowfall, but unfortunately, there has been no snowfall. While I’ve encountered many frozen lakes before, this is a unique experience.”
Kusum expressed, “This is my first time here, and although we had hoped to witness snow, I’m a bit disappointed. However, it’s still enjoyable to see the frozen lake.”
Raveena Jain shared, “It’s quite cold, and we were expecting to see snow, so there’s a bit of disappointment. Nonetheless, we appreciate the beauty of this frozen lake.”
Rohan talked about, “We find it nice, but we desire to witness snow. We plan to visit Gulmarg to experience snow, so there is a bit of disappointment here.”
The uncommon climate in Kashmir’s hill stations, which generally expertise heavy snowfall and accumulation throughout this season, has raised issues amongst locals. The absence of snow is contributing to a gradual drop in temperatures every day, resulting in a lower in vacationer footfall.
Zahoor Ahmad, a neighborhood, expressed his concern, stating, “This year, it’s very cold, and there’s no snow. The dryness has led to frozen lakes, causing various problems. If rain or snow occurs, there will be some relief. It seems like even nature is displeased with us.”
Shabir Ahmad, a neighborhood vacationer information, remarked, “The cold is intense this year with no snow, resulting in sub-zero temperatures and frozen lakes. We have to break the ice on the lake with sticks as it’s fully frozen. Although tourist influx was good this year, the absence of snowfall has now decreased it. Snowfall is crucial not just for tourists but for the local population as well.”
As freezing circumstances persist with out reduction within the Kashmir Valley, Srinagar recorded a low of minus 4.3°C on Monday. Qazigund recorded a minimal of minus 4.2°C, and Pahalgam recorded a low of minus 5.3°C. In north Kashmir, Kupwara city recorded a low of minus 5.0°C, whereas the well-known ski resort of Gulmarg registered a low of minus 4.0°C.
The area is at present amid ‘Chillai-Kalan,’ a 40-day harsh winter interval that may finish on January 30. This can be adopted by a 20-day-long interval known as ‘Chillai-Khurd’ between January 30 and February 19, and a 10-day-long interval, ‘Chillai-Bachha’ (child chilly), from February 20 to March 1.
A meteorological division official famous that usually cloudy climate is anticipated with the potential for gentle rain/snow over “extreme isolated higher reaches” on January 9. From January 10-14, usually dry climate is anticipated, with no important climate exercise anticipated till January 14.