India Meteorological Department officials said the Chillai-Kalan, the 40-day harshest winter period, in Kashmir has begun on Monday on a dry note even as there was an improvement in the minimum temperature across the Valley. The temperature drops considerably during this period leading to the freezing of water bodies, including Dal Lake, as well as the water supply lines in several parts of the Valley. 

IMD says Chillai-Kalan ends on January 31, but the cold wave continues even after that in Kashmir with a 20-day-long Chillai-Khurd (small cold) and a 10-day-long Chillai-Bachha (baby cold) period. During the 40 day harsh winter period, the chances of snowfall are frequent and maximum and most areas, especially in the higher reaches, receive heavy snowfall. The officials added that the night temperature rose across the Valley last night owing to a cloud cover, but the minimum temperature still settled below the freezing point. 

The summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir, Sri Nagar has recorded a low of minus 4 degree Celsius, up from the previous night's minus 6.2 degree Celsius. The Meteorological Office predicted, in the Union Territory while no major snowfall is expected till the month end, there is a possibility of light snowfall at a few places in Kashmir on Monday. 

Sudden change in weather, the rain started in the midst of bitter cold

Jammu-Srinagar National Highway closed due to snowfall and landslides

Chances of rain and snowfall in Jammu and Kashmir today, IMD issues alert