Snowfall in the higher reaches and cloudy skies in the plains pushed the minimum temperatures above the freezing point in most parts of Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir on Sunday.
According to Kashmir Media Service, officials said snowfall was reported in Gulmarg, Tangmarg, Gurez, Sonamarg and many areas of Kupwara district.
They said the skies in the plains of Kashmir, including in Srinagar city, are overcast, indicating the possibility of significant rainfall or snow that has eluded the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir so far this winter.
The weatherman has predicted that light snowfall was likely at most places in the Valley up to the first week of February.
IIOJK is currently under the grip of “Chilla-i-Kalan”, a 40-day harsh winter period when a cold wave sweeps the region and temperatures drop considerably leading to the freezing of water bodies and water in pipes.
‘Chilla-i-Kalan’ will end on January 31. However, the cold conditions will continue after that with a 20-day ‘Chilla-i-Khurd’ (small cold) and a 10-day ‘Chilla-i-Bachha’ (baby cold).—KMS