The 40-day harsh winter period of Kashmir, Chille-i-Kalan, began on a positive note on Sunday as widespread rain lashed the Valley and snowfall covered higher reaches, ending a prolonged dry spell. Mountainous areas of the Jammu region also received the season’s first snowfall and rain, leading to a slight rise in night temperatures.
However, adverse weather conditions severely disrupted air traffic, with 15 flights cancelled at Srinagar Airport and eight flights cancelled at Jammu Airport. Dense fog has continued to envelop the winter capital for the past four to five days, affecting both flight and train operations.
An official at Srinagar Airport said poor visibility and unfavourable weather conditions hampered flight movements until the afternoon, causing inconvenience to passengers, many of whom were stranded. Travellers were advised to stay in touch with airlines for real-time updates.
Director Airport Authority Jammu, S.K. Garg, said eight flights were cancelled and four delayed due to dense fog. These included three Srinagar-bound IndiGo flights, one Air India flight, and several Delhi- and Indore-bound services. Three IndiGo and one Air India flights were delayed.
Snowfall Disrupts Road Connectivity
Rain lashed Srinagar and other parts of the Valley, while higher reaches received several inches of snowfall, leading to the closure of key mountain roads, including:
- Sinthan Road (Anantnag–Kishtwar)
- Mughal Road (Rajouri–Poonch–Shopian)
- Srinagar–Leh Highway
- Srinagar–Gurez Road at Razdhan Top
The Jammu–Srinagar National Highway, however, remained operational despite light rain in Ramban and Banihal.
In Jammu region, higher reaches of Bhaderwah, Kishtwar, Doda, Ramban, Poonch and Rajouri received fresh snowfall. The Basohli–Bani–Bhaderwah Road was blocked at Chattergalla, while Guldanda and Paddri tourist spots witnessed moderate snowfall. Several springs and streams in Bhaderwah reached freezing point, forming icicles and attracting tourists.
Weather Forecast and Temperature
The Meteorological Department forecast more rain and snowfall over the next 48 hours, particularly over higher altitudes, with light rain expected in the Valley. Cold wave conditions are likely to persist.
Snowfall and rain led to a rise in minimum temperatures across Kashmir. Srinagar recorded its warmest night and coldest day of the season.
- Srinagar: Min 4°C (6°C above normal), Max 6°C
- Gulmarg: Min –1.5°C, Max 3.4°C
- Pahalgam: Min 2.8°C, Max 5.6°C
- Kupwara: Min 3.8°C, Max 5.2°C
Jammu recorded a minimum of 11.5°C and a maximum of 17°C.
Pilgrimage, Traffic Advisory and Rescue
Helicopter services to Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine were suspended due to bad weather, though battery cars and on-foot pilgrimage continued normally.
Authorities enforced strict traffic restrictions on the Tangmarg–Gulmarg Road, allowing only vehicles fitted with anti-skid chains. Heavy vehicles were barred completely. Snow clearance operations are ongoing.
Traffic on the Mughal Road was suspended after over three inches of snow accumulated at Peer Ki Gali. Three stranded tea vendors were rescued after the Border Roads Organisation cleared the snow.
Air Quality Improves
The onset of Chille-i-Kalan marked a significant weather shift after weeks of stagnant atmospheric conditions that had caused dense fog and smog. Meteorological officials said rainfall and snowfall helped disperse pollutants, leading to a noticeable improvement in air quality across urban areas.
Chille-i-Kalan, the coldest phase of the Kashmiri winter, lasts for 40 days and is followed by Chille-i-Khurd and Chille-i-Bacha, relatively milder phases.
