Srinagar, Dec 30 (NationPress) All routes in the elevated areas of Kashmir were shut down on Tuesday as the Meteorological (MeT) Department projected rain and snow across J&K for the next two days, commencing Tuesday afternoon.

The MeT Department anticipates snow in the mountainous regions and rain in the lowlands over the next two days. Travelers and transport operators are urged to adhere to the guidance provided by the traffic department and various administrative bodies.

Authorities have halted traffic on the Srinagar-Leh highway, Sinthan Pass in Anantnag district, Margan Pass linking the valley to Kishtwar district of Jammu, and the Mughal Road connecting the Valley with the Jammu division. However, traffic on the Srinagar-Jammu highway remains operational.

The city of Srinagar recorded a low of one degree Celsius, while Gulmarg experienced minus 1.6 and Pahalgam minus 1.2 degrees.

Jammu city noted temperatures of 8.6 degrees Celsius, Katra at 9.8, Batote at 7.7, Banihal at 5, and Bhaderwah at 3.8 degrees as the lowest temperature overnight.

The 40-day period of severe winter known as ‘Chillai Kalan’ commenced on December 21 and will conclude on January 30.

The expectations of the people of Kashmir for ample snowfall hinge on the Chillai Kalan. All perennial water sources in the mountains are replenished by the snow during this time. These reservoirs supply various rivers, streams, springs, and lakes throughout the summer months. The snow, once the Chillai Kalan concludes, melts rapidly and does not contribute to the replenishment of the perennial reservoirs.

This is why the initial snowfall during Chillai Kalan is celebrated in Kashmir. Friends and families exchange greetings and invite one another for communal feasts during this joyful event.

So far, the plains of the Kashmir Valley have not witnessed this season’s first snowfall. Water shortages have already affected many areas in the Valley, with rivers, streams, springs, and wells currently at their lowest levels.