Srinagar, December 9: The Kashmir Valley shivered through its coldest night of the season on Monday as temperatures plummeted well below the freezing point across both the plains and the high-altitude regions. The severe cold wave has tightened its grip on Jammu and Kashmir, with the mercury continuing its downward slide and residents preparing for the onset of the harshest phase of winter. According to the Meteorological Department (MeT), Srinagar recorded a minimum temperature of minus 3.7 degrees Celsius, dropping further from the previous night’s minus 2.4 degrees Celsius. The fall has pushed the temperature in the city 3.1 degrees below normal for this period, deepening the chill that has settled over the Valley. In the southern district of Pulwama, the situation was even more frigid, as the temperature dropped to minus 5.1 degrees Celsius, making it the coldest place in Jammu and Kashmir on Monday night. Pahalgam, the popular tourist destination, followed closely with a low of minus 4.8 degrees Celsius, while Kupwara in north Kashmir and Qazigund, known as the gateway to the Valley, both recorded minus 3.6 degrees Celsius. The world-famous ski resort of Gulmarg also reported intense cold, logging minus 2.5 degrees Celsius, whereas Kokernag experienced a relatively milder minimum of minus 0.5 degrees Celsius, though still well below the comfort line.
Across Kashmir, frozen landscapes, icy roads, and frost-covered rooftops reflected the Valley’s deepening cold wave. The sharp drop in night temperatures has led to freezing of water bodies, with a thin layer of ice forming on parts of the Dal Lake and water supply lines beginning to freeze in the outskirts of Srinagar. Early morning commuters were seen struggling with frosted windshields, while shopkeepers used small bonfires to keep warm before opening their stores. Locals say the chill this year has arrived earlier than usual, adding to the challenges of daily life. “The mornings are freezing, and the water in the pipes freezes overnight. We have started using traditional kangris already,” said Abdul Rahim, a resident of Srinagar’s downtown area, referring to the earthen firepots that Kashmiris use to keep themselves warm during winters. The Meteorological Department has predicted that the dry spell is likely to continue until December 12, meaning there will be no immediate respite from the freezing temperatures. The MeT has forecast light snowfall in isolated higher reaches between December 13 and 15, with the weather turning cloudy again afterward. From December 10 to 12, the weather is expected to remain partly cloudy with no major activity, but the department warned that the cold wave will persist. The temperatures, it said, could dip even further in the coming days due to clear skies that facilitate rapid cooling at night. A MeT spokesperson said, “There is a possibility of light to moderate snowfall over higher reaches of north and central Kashmir between December 13 and 15, which could lead to a minor rise in night temperatures thereafter. However, there will be no significant change in the cold conditions.” The forecast further indicates partly cloudy skies between December 16 and 18, followed by mixed weather conditions from December 19 to 21, when light snowfall could again occur in some mountainous regions.
Fresh Snowfall Over Zojila and Sonamarg
Adding to the winter’s advance, Zojila Pass, located at 11,575 feet on the Srinagar-Leh National Highway, received a fresh layer of snow on Monday. A thin white blanket covered the mountain pass, while light snowfall was also reported from the upper reaches of Sonamarg in Ganderbal district. The snowfall, though light, led to a noticeable dip in temperatures across nearby regions and served as a precursor to the approaching heavy winter phase. The snow-covered Zojila Pass holds particular importance during winter, as it remains the only surface link between Kashmir and Ladakh when most other routes become impassable due to snow accumulation. Authorities have advised travelers to exercise caution on the Srinagar-Leh Highway, as icy conditions and reduced visibility could make driving hazardous. The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) has already begun regular snow clearance operations in the higher reaches to keep the critical mountain route open for as long as possible before full winter closure. As the Valley prepares for Chilai Kalan, the traditional 40-day cold spell starting December 21, residents are reinforcing their homes and stocking essential supplies. Known for being the harshest phase of winter in Kashmir, Chilai Kalan is characterized by heavy snowfall, frozen lakes, and sub-zero temperatures that persist both day and night. This period is often followed by Chilai Khurd (20 days) and Chilai Bachha (10 days), marking gradual transitions toward milder weather. However, the current cold wave is already signaling an early arrival of severe winter conditions, raising concerns among farmers and daily wage earners who depend on outdoor work. “Even before Chilai Kalan has begun, we are already facing nights colder than what we usually expect in mid-December,” said Mohammad Yousuf, a farmer from Pulwama. “If this continues, we may face disruptions in water supply and increased frost damage to early crops.”
The cold wave has also influenced tourism activity in Kashmir. While the plummeting temperatures have deterred some visitors, many domestic tourists continue to arrive in Gulmarg and Pahalgam, attracted by the early snowfall and the promise of snow sports. Tour operators report an uptick in bookings for the upcoming holiday season, especially as the Valley gears up for winter festivals and ski events. “We are receiving good inquiries from tourists looking to experience snow this month,” said Farooq Ahmad, a tour operator in Srinagar. “Hotels in Gulmarg are already seeing strong advance bookings ahead of Christmas and New Year.” Authorities in Gulmarg have stepped up snow clearance and infrastructure preparations, ensuring that the ski slopes and chairlifts remain operational once heavier snow sets in. The Jammu and Kashmir Tourism Department has also planned promotional events highlighting winter adventure sports, local cuisine, and handicrafts to attract more visitors.
Impact on Daily Life and Infrastructure
The severe drop in temperature has already started affecting daily routines across the Valley. Early morning frost has made roads slippery, increasing the risk of accidents. Municipal authorities have urged residents to drive carefully and avoid travel before sunrise when frost accumulation is at its peak. The cold has also impacted water supply systems, particularly in rural areas where pipes often freeze overnight. Many households have resorted to traditional heating methods such as wood stoves and kerosene heaters. Meanwhile, demand for firewood, heating appliances, and electricity has surged sharply, leading to frequent power fluctuations in some areas. Local power officials have acknowledged an increase in load demand, especially during nighttime hours, but assured that efforts are being made to stabilize the supply. “We are working round the clock to maintain uninterrupted electricity, though the surge in heating usage has caused occasional overloads,” said an official from the Power Development Department (PDD).
While snowfall often brings temporary relief from freezing nights by trapping heat near the surface, the continued dry weather has intensified the cold. The absence of cloud cover allows rapid radiational cooling after sunset, causing night temperatures to plunge several degrees below the seasonal average. Environmental experts warn that prolonged dry conditions could also impact the region’s water resources in the coming months. The snow that usually accumulates in upper catchment areas during December and January serves as a vital water source for rivers and irrigation systems in summer. Reduced early-season snowfall, they say, may lead to lower water availability in spring. Despite the challenges, Kashmiris remain resilient, adapting to the familiar rhythm of winter life. Markets in Srinagar and other towns are bustling with shoppers buying woolens, kangris, and traditional winter delicacies such as harissa, a slow-cooked meat dish that becomes a staple during the cold months. Families are preparing their homes for sustained freezing conditions, sealing windows and storing essentials, anticipating transportation disruptions once snowfall intensifies. Schools in several districts have already switched to winter vacations, and public transport services are being adjusted for shorter daylight hours. With temperatures sliding to new lows across Kashmir, the Valley stands at the threshold of its most testing winter phase. The biting cold has brought both challenges and anticipation — challenges in maintaining daily life amid freezing conditions, and anticipation of the snow that transforms Kashmir’s landscape into a serene winter wonderland. While residents brace for Chilai Kalan and the harsh days ahead, the prevailing cold wave underscores the delicate balance of nature in the Himalayan region. For now, the Valley remains locked in the grip of frost and silence, waiting for the first major snowfall to soften the stillness of the long, cold nights.
