Chillai-Kalan Peak: Severe Cold Wave to Grip Jammu and Kashmir as Mercury Set to Plummet to -9°C

SRINAGAR, January 7, 2026 — As the harshest 40-day winter phase known as Chillai-Kalan enters its most brutal stretch, a severe cold wave is projected to tighten its hold over Jammu and Kashmir starting tomorrow.

Meteorological forecasts indicate a sharp decline in night temperatures across the region, with the Kashmir plains expected to shiver between -4°C and -9°C, while the higher altitudes could see the mercury plunge to a bone-chilling -13°C.

The Jammu division will not be spared either, as minimum temperatures in the plains are likely to hover between 0°C and 6°C over the next four days. With a largely dry weather spell predicted to prevail until at least January 17, barring very light isolated snow around January 12-13, environmental experts have raised concerns over the hydrological impact.

The prolonged absence of significant Western Disturbances means that water levels in vital rivers and streams will continue to recede, further depleting the region’s perennial water reservoirs during this critical mid-winter period.