SRINAGAR – The intense cold wave tightened its grip on the Kashmir Valley on Sunday, January 4, 2026, as minimum temperatures plummeted several degrees below freezing point. Gulmarg, the world-famous ski resort, emerged as the coldest spot in the Valley, recording a bone-chilling minus 6.5°C.
The capital city, Srinagar, saw the mercury settle at minus 3.2°C, while the outlying Srinagar Airport recorded a sharper dip to minus 4.2°C. The bone-dry cold, characteristic of the 40-day Chillai-Kalan period, has left the region’s water bodies partially frozen and the Jhelum River at historically low winter levels.
Regional Temperature Highlights
The sub-zero trend was consistent across the Valley, with several districts recording severe lows:
- Shopian: -6.0°C
- Pulwama: -5.1°C
- Anantnag: -4.6°C
- Pahalgam & Qazigund: -4.0°C
- Leh (Ladakh): -11.0°C
In contrast, the Jammu region remained significantly warmer, with the city recording a minimum of 10.0°C. However, a dense fog advisory has been issued for the Jammu plains, which is expected to impact visibility on highways and at airports over the next 72 hours.
Travel & Connectivity Update
Despite the freezing conditions, major connectivity routes remain operational with specific restrictions:
- National Highway 44: Open for two-way traffic for LMVs, though movement is slow near Banihal and Dalwas due to single-lane stretches. Authorities have advised against night travel.
- Mughal Road: Partially reopened today for a narrow 4-hour window (10:30 AM to 2:30 PM) for LMVs only.
- Air Travel: The Airports Authority of India (AAI) has warned of potential delays at Srinagar and Jammu airports due to morning fog and low visibility across Northern India.
Weather Forecast: No Relief in Sight
The Meteorological Department (MeT) has predicted that the dry spell will likely continue until January 15. While a “feeble” Western Disturbance may bring light snow to the isolated higher reaches of North and Central Kashmir on January 5 and 6, the plains are expected to remain dry.
Experts have expressed concern over the lack of significant snowfall, noting that the Jhelum River has hit a “dangerous low,” which could lead to a water crisis in the coming spring if the dry spell persists.
