Srinagar Records Coldest Night of the Season at −2.1°C | Cold Wave Grips Kashmir | Weather Forecast till Nov 17
By: Javid Amin | 12 November 2025
Srinagar Freezes at Minus 2.1°C — Season’s Coldest So Far
The winter chill has set in early this year, as Srinagar shivered at −2.1°C, marking its coldest night of the season. The mercury slipped below the freezing point across most parts of the Valley, coating rooftops and fields with a white frost by dawn.
The Meteorological Department (MeT) confirmed that temperatures are expected to remain below normal until November 17, with no major precipitation forecast.
Dr. Mukhtar Ahmad, MeT Director, said:
“Dry weather will continue for the next few days, and night temperatures will stay between 1°C and 3°C below normal. We may see slight improvement after November 17.”
Temperature Snapshot Across Kashmir
| Location | Minimum Temp (°C) | Remarks |
|---|---|---|
| Srinagar | −2.1 | Coldest night of the season so far |
| Pahalgam | −3.8 | Lowest in the Valley; thick frost layer |
| Kupwara | −2.0 | Frost-covered rooftops and fields |
| Qazigund | −1.5 | Gateway town to Valley freezes early |
| Gulmarg | −1.0 | Early snow activity delights tourists |
| Kokernag | 0.8 | Milder but noticeably cold mornings |
While Pahalgam continued its reputation as the coldest destination, Kupwara and Qazigund too saw sub-zero nights, reflecting a widespread dip across north and south Kashmir.
Frost, Frozen Pipes & Early Morning Haze
Across Srinagar’s downtown and outskirts, residents woke up to frozen water pipes, icy windshields, and slippery lanes. Municipal workers began early morning de-icing operations, while commuters faced slow traffic on frosted bridges and flyovers.
In rural districts, particularly Shopian, Pulwama, and Kupwara, farmers expressed concern about potential frost damage to apple orchards and vegetable crops. “We’re lighting small fires in orchards at night to reduce frost impact,” said Ghulam Nabi Dar, an apple grower from Shopian.
Tourism: Gulmarg Turns Into a Winter Playground
While the chill poses challenges for locals, it has turned Gulmarg into a winter paradise for tourists. The resort town witnessed light snowfall earlier this week, and the famed Gulmarg Gondola has become the biggest draw.
Visitors from Delhi, Mumbai, and Gujarat have begun arriving in large numbers to enjoy the snow-covered meadows, cable car rides, and the crisp alpine air. Local hoteliers report 80–90 % bookings for the next fortnight, marking a promising start to Kashmir’s winter tourism season.
“We came hoping to see snow and Gulmarg delivered,” said Sneha Kapoor, a tourist from Delhi. “It’s freezing but magical.”
The J&K Tourism Department is already promoting “Winter in Kashmir” campaigns, featuring skiing, snow-biking, and cultural events to keep the tourist momentum alive through December and January.
Agriculture & Daily Life Under Pressure
Despite the postcard beauty, the cold wave is proving tough on farmers and daily wage earners.
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Apple growers are racing to harvest the last crop of late varieties before frost damages the produce.
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Vegetable vendors report higher wastage due to freezing conditions in open stalls.
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Construction work and public projects have slowed down as workers prefer limited shifts in early daylight hours.
In several areas, schools and healthcare centers have requested temporary heating assistance from local authorities. With power demand rising sharply, the Power Development Department (PDD) has urged residents to conserve energy to avoid unscheduled cuts.
What Lies Ahead: No Snow, But Steady Chill
According to MeT forecasts:
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No major western disturbance is expected until mid-November.
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Night temperatures will remain below freezing in most plains.
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Daytime sunshine will offer brief relief but won’t offset frost formation at night.
Beyond November 17, a weak western disturbance could bring light rain or snow to higher reaches like Gurez, Sonamarg, and Gulmarg, but nothing intense enough to disrupt travel.
For now, residents continue to rely on ‘kangris’ (traditional earthen fire pots) and ‘pherans’ (woolen cloaks) to battle the cold, as the Valley braces for the official onset of ‘Chillai-Kalan’ — the 40-day harshest winter period — still weeks away.
Conclusion: Kashmir Embraces the Chill With Resilience
The first major cold wave of the season has reminded Kashmiris that winter is not just a season — it’s a way of life. From frozen pipes to glowing kangris, from apple orchards to snow-clad slopes, the Valley is once again painting its timeless portrait of endurance and beauty.
As Srinagar shivers and Gulmarg glistens, life continues to flow with quiet determination — proving once more that Kashmir’s cold, though biting, carries its own warmth in spirit.
