Minimum temperature rises above zero in Srinagar; Gulmarg, Pahalgam remain below freezing
A man wrapped in warm clothes walks along a street on a cold and foggy winter morning in Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, on December 15, 2025. Kashmir is in the grip of an intense cold wave, with dense fog persisting across several parts of the Valley. According to data from Air Quality India, several areas in Jammu and Kashmir record an Air Quality Index (AQI) above 288, placing them in the 'Very Poor' category on international air-quality standards. The rising pollution levels spark growing concern about their potential impact on tourism in the region. (Photo by Firdous Nazir/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
The minimum temperature in Jammu and Kashmir’s Srinagar city rose marginally above the freezing point on Friday, while the hill stations of Gulmarg and Pahalgam continued to record sub-zero temperatures.
According to officials of the Meteorological (MeT) Department, Srinagar recorded a minimum temperature of 0.2 degrees Celsius, while Gulmarg registered minus 4.5 degrees Celsius and Pahalgam minus 1.6 degrees Celsius.
In the Jammu region, Jammu city recorded a minimum temperature of 10 degrees Celsius, Katra 9.5 degrees, Batote 6.1 degrees, Banihal 3.8 degrees and Bhaderwah 2.6 degrees Celsius.
The MeT Department said that seasonal precipitation from October 1 to December 25 showed a deficit of 44 per cent in the Kashmir division, while the Jammu division recorded a departure of minus 9 per cent, which falls within the normal range. It forecast a spell of light snow in higher reaches and light rain at scattered to many places across Jammu and Kashmir from December 31 to January 1, followed by improvement in weather conditions.
On Thursday, the maximum temperature was recorded at 13 degrees Celsius in Srinagar, 4 degrees Celsius in Gulmarg and 9 degrees Celsius in Pahalgam. Meteorologists noted that the narrowing gap between day and night temperatures is a typical feature during ‘Chillai Kalan’, the 40-day harsh winter period that began on December 21 and will conclude on January 30.
During this period, water bodies across the Valley freeze partially or completely, affecting movement in rivers and lakes. Residents rely on multiple layers of woollen clothing to protect themselves from the cold.
The traditional overgarment known as the ‘Pheran’ remains widely used during winter. Many people also use the ‘Kangri’, an earthen pot filled with burning charcoal encased in a wicker basket, carried under the Pheran for warmth.
Tourist activity has picked up in Gulmarg, Srinagar and Pahalgam, with New Year’s Eve visitors arriving in good numbers. Hoteliers and tour operators said bookings are continuing to rise.
