SRINAGAR: As Kashmiris awaited rain and snow on Saturday, as forecast by the Meteorological Department, the 40-day-long period of intense winter cold called the 'Chillai Kalan' is also set to begin.
The weather office has forecast rain in the plains and moderate to heavy snowfall in the higher reaches of J&K from Saturday night.
Authorities in Baramulla, Kupwara, and Bandipora districts have issued advisories asking people living in the higher reaches not to move out of their homes during the expected heavy snowfall.
Rain and snow are likely to break the over two-month long dry spell that has resulted in widespread chest ailments across J&K.