![\"\"](\"https:\/\/kmsnews.org\/kms\/assests\/2025\/12\/Chillai-Kalan-Sonmarg_Zojila_Snowfall.jpg\")
<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Srinagar: In Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir, the 40-day harsh winter period known as Chillai Kalan began on Sunday, bringing fresh snowfall to the upper reaches and a sharp drop in temperatures across the Valley.<\/p>\n
According to reports, the higher reaches of Sonamarg, Zojila, Drass and Razdan Top witnessed the season\u2019s first significant snowfall, while the Bandipora\u2013Gurez Road remained closed due to heavy accumulation along the Razdan belt. Officials said snowfall in upper areas has rendered several stretches slippery, disrupting normal life.<\/p>\n
The Meteorological Department has forecast further rain in the plains and moderate to heavy snowfall in the higher reaches over the next 48 hours. Early assessments suggest that Razdan Top and Sadhna Top may receive up to two feet of snow, while Zojila, Sinthan, Margan and Peer Ki Gali are likely to record moderate accumulation. Light to moderate snowfall is also expected in tourist destinations including Gulmarg, Sonamarg, Doodhpathri and Pahalgam.<\/p>\n
Authorities in Baramulla, Kupwara and Bandipora districts have issued advisories, asking people in higher reaches to avoid unnecessary travel due to the possibility of heavy snowfall and road blockades.<\/p>\n
The wet spell is expected to end a prolonged dry period of over two months, which had led to falling water levels and deteriorating air quality in the Valley. Doctors said the dry conditions had triggered a rise in respiratory ailments, adding that rain and snowfall could help improve air quality by settling suspended pollutants.<\/p>\n
Meanwhile, night temperatures remained below normal in several areas. Pulwama recorded the season\u2019s lowest minimum at minus 3.2 degrees Celsius, while Srinagar registered minus 0.4 degrees. Dense fog engulfed Srinagar and adjoining areas, further adding to commuters\u2019 woes.<\/p>\n
Meteorologists said Chillai Kalan traditionally witnesses the most frequent snowfall and the coldest temperatures, with further intensification of winter conditions expected in the coming days.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Srinagar: In Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir, the 40-day harsh winter period known as Chillai Kalan began on Sunday, bringing fresh snowfall to the upper reaches and a sharp drop in temperatures across the Valley. According to reports, the higher reaches of Sonamarg, Zojila, Drass and Razdan Top witnessed the season\u2019s first significant snowfall, …<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":190815,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[38],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-190814","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-weather"],"yoast_head":"\n