Srinagar, Jan 16: Minimum temperatures across Kashmir on Friday settled above the seasonal average, offering a slight reprieve from the region’s typically harsh winter nights, officials said. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) also predicted light snowfall in the higher reaches of the Valley over the coming days.
Despite the improvement, most areas in the Valley continued to experience sub-zero night temperatures, except Kokernag, where the minimum climbed above the freezing point. Srinagar recorded a low of minus 1.5°C on Thursday night, rising from minus 3.9°C the previous night, and stood half a degree above the seasonal average.
Pulwama in south Kashmir remained the coldest spot, with the mercury settling at minus 4.6°C. Pahalgam recorded a minimum of minus 2.6°C, up from minus 5°C the previous night. In north Kashmir, Gulmarg registered minus 2.3°C 5.5 degrees above the seasonal norm while Sonamarg in central Kashmir recorded minus 1.6°C. Qazigund saw the temperature settle at minus 1.6°C, Kupwara at minus 1.4°C, and Kokernag rose slightly above freezing at 0.2°C.
Kashmir is currently in the midst of ‘Chilla-i-Kalan’, the 40-day period considered the harshest part of winter, which began on December 21, 2025, and will continue until January 30. During this period, night temperatures often plunge well below freezing, and the likelihood of snowfall is highest. It will be followed by ‘Chilla Khurd’ and ‘Chillai Bachha’.
According to the IMD, a western disturbance is approaching the region and is expected to impact the weather from Friday afternoon. While higher reaches may see light snowfall, lower regions are likely to receive light rainfall.