Fresh snowfall in higher reaches of Kashmir

Tue Dec 24 07:02:34 UTC 2024: ## Kashmir Shivers Under Heavy Snowfall as Temperatures Plummet

**Srinagar, December 24, 2024** – A fresh wave of snowfall has swept across the higher reaches of Kashmir, plunging temperatures several degrees below freezing and intensifying the region’s already harsh winter conditions. The tourist resort of Sonamarg and other high-altitude areas experienced light snowfall overnight, leading to the freezing of water supply lines and the formation of ice on water bodies.

The cold wave, currently in its harshest period known as “Chillai-Kalan,” has caused a significant drop in temperatures across the valley. Srinagar recorded a maximum temperature of 2.8 degrees Celsius on Monday, over six degrees below the seasonal average, and a minimum temperature of -6.6 degrees Celsius on Monday night. Other areas experienced even lower temperatures, with Konibal registering the lowest at -8.5 degrees Celsius.

The meteorological department predicts a further temperature drop of two to three degrees over the next few days, with a possibility of light snowfall in higher reaches from December 27th to 28th. Further light snowfall is forecast for isolated higher reaches on New Year’s Eve and scattered areas from January 1st to 3rd. Chillai-Kalan, which began on December 21st and continues until January 30th, is expected to be followed by the milder “Chillai-Khurd” and “Chillai-Bachha” periods. The intense cold is expected to continue even after the end of the 40-day Chillai-Kalan period.