Srinagar, J&K, : has a minimum temperature above zero; Gulmarg and Pahalgam experience a cold wave
Srinagar, J&K: While the minimum temperature in Gulmarg ski resort and Pahalgam hill station stayed below freezing on Friday, it soared above freezing in Srinagar, the capital of Jammu and Kashmir.
According to authorities from the Meteorological (MeT) Department, “seasonal precipitation (October 1–December 25) remained -9 percent (Jammu Division), which is normal, and -44 percent (Kashmir Division), which is a deficit.” From December 31 to January 1, there was a period of mild rain and snow in several parts of J&K, with improvements following.
The lowest temperature was 0.2 degrees Celsius in Srinagar City, minus 4.5 degrees in Gulmarg, and – 1.6 degrees in Pahalgam.
The lowest temperatures were 10 degrees Celsius in Jammu City, 9.5 degrees in Katra, 6.1 degrees in Batote, 3.8 degrees in Banihal, and 2.6 degrees in Bhaderwah.
On Thursday, the highest recorded temperatures were 13 degrees Celsius in Srinagar, 4 degrees Celsius in Gulmarg, and 9 degrees Celsius in Pahalgam. This suggests that, as is common during the 40-day “Chillai Kalan,” which began on December 21 and will conclude on January 30, the difference between the highest and lowest temperatures is becoming smaller.
The majority of the Valley’s bodies of water freeze entirely or partly during this very cold winter, making it difficult to navigate rivers and lakes. To prevent contracting a cold, people must wrap themselves with many layers of wool clothing.
Because of this, the most popular winter outfit in Kashmir for men, women, and kids is the tweed overgarment known as the “Pheran.”
Under the Pheran, the majority of Kashmiris hold an earthen pot filled with live charcoal that has been weaved in a gorgeously designed willow wicker basket. This is known as the “Kangri” and has long been ingrained in Kashmiri culture.
Gulmarg, Srinagar, and Pahalgam have seen a strong influx of New Year’s Eve revelers, and hotels and tour and travel agencies report that reservations are still rising.
The April 22 terrorist incident, in which Pakistan-backed Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorists murdered 25 visitors and one local pony owner in Pahalgam’s Baisaran Meadow, has had a significant negative impact on the Kashmir tourism sector.
Arrivals of tourists at the close of the year suggest that 2026 will be a better and more successful year for those whose livelihoods rely on this business.