SRINAGAR: As the Forty-day period of harsh winter known locally as the 'Chillai Kalan' begins on December 21, frozen water pipes, hanging icicles, and bone-chilling cold warned Kashmiris to brace for colder weather ahead on Monday. Every year, the forty-day Chillai Kalan period ends on January 31 st, bringing with it a slew of hardships for the people.

With erratic electric power, the earthen firepot lit with charcoal and woven in willow wicker remains the best bet for Kashmiris braving the Chillai Kalan's chill. On Monday, the minimum temperature in Srinagar was minus 5.8, Pahalgam was minus 7.4, and Gulmarg was minus 5.5. The lowest temperature of the night was minus 19.0 in Drass, minus 18.0 in Leh, and minus 11.5 in Kargil. The minimum temperature in Jammu was 3.2 degrees Celsius, Katra was 4.2 degrees Celsius, Batote was 1.7 degrees Celsius, Banihal was 3.0 degrees Celsius, and Bhaderwah was minus 1.8 degrees Celsius.

According to the Metrological Department, minimum temperatures may improve marginally over the next 2-3 days as a weak Western Disturbance (WD) approaches J&K, causing the night sky to remain overcast.

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