SRINAGAR: The J&K administration and Meteorological Department have issued fresh updates as the harsh 40-day winter period, Chillai Kalan, tightens its grip on the region, bringing season’s lowest temperatures in many places and disrupting life in the Jammu division.
The intense cold wave has plunged night temperatures drastically, with Srinagar Airport recording a freezing −6.0°C this morning. For residents in Jammu and Kashmir, the dual challenge of a prolonged cold, mainly dry spell in the Valley and blinding fog in the plains is creating significant disruptions to daily life and travel.
The Meteorological Department (MeT) says the weather will remain predominantly dry but very cold in the plains, while successive western disturbances from mid-January are likely to bring light to moderate rain/snow over higher reaches and at scattered places between around January 16 and 24, with better chances around January 22–24.
Temperature Plummet: The Valley Freezes
Kashmir Weather Update: The cold wave has intensified across all ten districts of the Valley. While days are sunny, the clear night skies are causing heat to escape rapidly, leading to sub-zero minimums.
- Shopian emerged as the coldest spot in the Valley, recording a bone-chilling −7.5°C, followed closely by Pulwama at −7.0°C.
- In north Kashmir, the apple town of Sopore shivered at −6.9°C.
- Pahalgam, the base camp for the Amarnath Yatra, recorded a low of −6.0°C.
- The world-famous ski resort of Gulmarg settled around −3.8°C last night, still several degrees below freezing.
The freezing temperatures have led to frozen water pipes in several areas of Srinagar and partial freezing of the Dal Lake edges, a sight that draws tourists but challenges locals.
Jammu Fog & Traffic: Flights Delayed
While Kashmir freezes, Jammu is battling dense fog. Visibility dropped to near zero in several parts of the Jammu plains early this morning, severely impacting air and rail traffic.
Jammu Airport authorities confirmed multiple flight delays due to poor visibility on the runway. Passengers travelling to and from New Delhi and Srinagar are advised to check their flight status before leaving for the airport.
On the ground, the fog has slowed movement on key stretches of the Jammu–Pathankot and other highways, and railways officials say several trains arriving at Jammu Tawi are running 3–4 hours behind schedule due to thick fog belts across the northern plains of India.
Official Forecast: When Will it Snow?
The Meteorological Department in Srinagar has ruled out any intense, widespread wet spell for the plains in the immediate term, but says light to moderate precipitation is likely under approaching western disturbances.
“Generally dry and cold weather is likely to dominate the meteorological landscape of Jammu and Kashmir in the plains, while light to moderate rain/snow is expected over higher reaches and at scattered to fairly widespread places between around January 16 and 24, with better chances towards January 22–24 under successive western disturbances,” a MeT official said.
There is some hope for snowfall, particularly in the upper reaches, from these systems. However, the current lack of heavy, widespread snowfall during Chillai Kalan is worrying agricultural experts, as good snow in this period is vital for recharging glaciers and ensuring adequate water for paddy cultivation in summer.
Key Highlights
- Coldest Spot: Shopian at −7.5°C; Pulwama −7.0°C, Sopore −6.9°C, Pahalgam −6.0°C, Gulmarg around −3.8°C.
- Travel Alert: Morning flights at Jammu Airport facing delays due to dense fog; trains to Jammu Tawi running late.
- Forecast: Mainly dry but freezing in plains; light to moderate rain/snow expected between around January 16 and 24, especially over higher reaches, with stronger western disturbances likely around January 22–24.
FAQ Section
A1: As of now, the weather is dry and very cold in most plains, including Srinagar and Gulmarg. Night temperatures are well below freezing (around −3.8°C in Gulmarg), but no heavy snowfall is occurring today. According to the MeT forecast, light to moderate rain/snow is likely between around January 16 and 24, mainly over higher reaches, with no major heavy snowfall warning yet for the plains.
A2: Yes, as per the latest traffic advisories, NH-44 is open for traffic, subject to fair weather and road conditions. However, travellers should drive cautiously in the Jammu sector due to dense morning fog reducing visibility, and remain alert to possible restrictions in the Ramban–Banihal stretch, where landslides and shooting stones are common in winter
Stay tuned to KittoNews for real-time weather updates from the Valley.
