Srinagar, January 16, 2026 : Minimum temperatures across Kashmir showed a noticeable improvement on Friday, settling above the seasonal average at most places, even as the Valley continued to experience sub-zero nights during the ongoing harsh winter phase, officials said.
According to the Meteorological Department, Srinagar recorded a minimum temperature of minus 1.5°C on Thursday night, a sharp improvement from minus 3.9°C the previous night. The temperature was about 0.5°C above the seasonal average for the city.
South Kashmir’s Pulwama emerged as the coldest place in the Valley, where the mercury dipped to minus 4.6°C. Tourist resort Pahalgam recorded a low of minus 2.6°C, improving from minus 5°C a night earlier.
In north Kashmir, Gulmarg registered a minimum of minus 2.3°C, which was 5.5 degrees above the seasonal norm, while Sonamarg in central Kashmir recorded minus 1.6°C, officials said.
Other recorded minimum temperatures included minus 1.6°C at Qazigund, minus 1.4°C at Kupwara, and 0.2°C at Kokernag, the only station where temperatures remained above the freezing point.
Kashmir is currently passing through ‘Chilla-i-Kalan’, the 40-day harshest winter period that began on December 21 and will conclude on January 30. This phase is marked by intense cold, freezing nights and the highest probability of snowfall. It will be followed by ‘Chilla Khurd’ and ‘Chillai Bachha’, relatively milder winter spells.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) said a western disturbance is approaching the region and is likely to affect weather conditions from Friday afternoon onwards. Under its influence, light snowfall is expected over higher reaches, while lower areas may receive light rainfall, officials added.
Authorities have advised residents, travellers and transporters to remain cautious, particularly in higher-altitude areas, as weather conditions may change rapidly over the coming days.
