Srinagar, January 17, 2026 : Cold conditions further intensified across Kashmir as minimum temperatures dropped sharply, while the Meteorological Department (IMD) forecast spells of wet weather in the coming days, particularly in higher reaches of the Valley.
Srinagar recorded a minimum temperature of minus 3.2°C on Friday night, down from minus 1.5°C the previous night. Shopian in south Kashmir emerged as the coldest place, with the mercury plunging to minus 5.6°C.
Tourist resort Pahalgam registered a low of minus 2.6°C, unchanged from the previous night, while Gulmarg in north Kashmir’s Baramulla district recorded minus 4.2°C, down from minus 2.3°C. Sonamarg, which received moderate snowfall on Friday, recorded a minimum of minus 2.9°C.
Elsewhere, Qazigund recorded minus 3.4°C, Kokernag minus 2°C, and Kupwara minus 2.2°C, officials said.
The Valley is currently under ‘Chilla-i-Kalan’, the harshest 40-day winter period marked by sub-zero night temperatures and increased chances of snowfall. The period began on December 21 and will conclude on January 30, to be followed by Chilla Khurd and Chillai Bachha.
The IMD said a series of western disturbances will affect Kashmir in the coming days. Light snowfall at isolated higher reaches is possible on January 18 and 19, while light to moderate rain or snow is likely on January 19 and 20.
The MeT office further said there is a possibility of light snow at isolated higher reaches on January 21, followed by light to moderate rain or snow till January 25. Some districts of the Chenab Valley, Pir Panjal range and south Kashmir may receive heavy rain or snowfall between January 23 and 24.
