Srinagar, January 5:
The intense winter period of ‘Chillai Kalan’ has unleashed its full force upon the Kashmir Valley, with the world-famous ski resort of Gulmarg recording a bone-chilling -8.8°C last night. This marks the lowest temperature of the season so far, as the mercury plummeted nearly nine degrees below the freezing point.
While Gulmarg remained the coldest spot in the region, the sub-zero temperatures gripped the entire valley. The sharp dip follows a weak Western Disturbance that brought light snowfall to higher reaches last week, leaving behind a cold wave that has intensified over the last 24 hours.
Key Temperature Readings Across J&K (Jan 5, 2026): Gulmarg -8.8°C (Season’s Coldest), Shopian -5.6°C (Severe Cold), Pahalgam -4.8°C (Sub-zero), Srinagar -3.6°C (Sub-zero), Leh (Ladakh) -9.6°C (Freezing), Jammu City 8.7°C (Cold/Foggy).
Impact of Chillai Kalan
We are currently in the midst of Chillai Kalan, the harshest 40-day winter period in Kashmir that began on December 21. During this time, the chances of snowfall are highest, and the drop in temperature often leads to the freezing of water bodies, including parts of the famous Dal Lake and water supply pipes.
Weather Forecast: What to Expect
According to the Meteorological (MeT) Department, the dry spell is likely to continue for the next few days, which could lead to even further drops in the minimum temperature. Next 48 Hours: Expect mostly dry weather with clear skies, which will likely intensify the “night chill.” Fog Advisory: A fog alert has been issued for the Jammu division, where visibility is expected to drop significantly during early morning hours, potentially affecting highway traffic and flights. No Major Disturbance: Officials stated that no major Western Disturbance is expected to hit the region before mid-January, meaning the biting cold will remain the dominant weather story.
Despite the freezing temperatures, the heavy frost has transformed Gulmarg into a winter wonderland, attracting hundreds of tourists and skiing enthusiasts. However, locals are being advised to take precautions against the extreme cold, particularly during the late-night and early-morning hours when temperatures are at their most dangerous.
