Winter Writes in Sub-Zero Ink as Chillai Kalan Enters Peak Phase in Kashmir

Winter Writes in Sub-Zero Ink as Chillai Kalan Peaks, Shopian Coldest at –8.2°C

By: Javid Amin | 10 January 2026

Winter Tightens Its Grip as Chillai Kalan Peaks

Winter continues to write its story in sub-zero ink across Kashmir.

As Chillai Kalan, the coldest 40-day stretch of winter, entered its peak phase, a biting cold wave gripped the Valley on Saturday, with night temperatures remaining well below freezing across most regions, despite marginal overnight relief in a few areas.

Clear skies and dry conditions have intensified radiational cooling, keeping Kashmir firmly under winter’s icy hold.

Srinagar Sees Slight Relief, But Nights Remain Bitter

The summer capital Srinagar recorded a minimum temperature of –5.7°C, marginally warmer than –6°C on Friday. Despite the slight improvement, residents continued to face frozen taps, icy roads, and prolonged cold stress during night and early morning hours.

Notably, Srinagar Airport recorded a much sharper minimum of –7.2°C, making it colder than the city centre, a common phenomenon during dry winter spells.

Mixed Trends in Central Kashmir

Temperature variations across central Kashmir reflected the uneven nature of the cold wave:

• Gulmarg improved slightly to –6.8°C from –7.2°C, maintaining snow conditions favourable for skiing

• Budgam dipped to –6.1°C, slightly colder than –5.9°C a day earlier

• Pampore remained unchanged at –5.5°C

• Sopore recorded –7.6°C, showing marginal variation from previous readings

While some areas saw minimal relief, overall conditions remained harsh.

South Kashmir Bears the Brunt of the Cold

Cold conditions intensified in south Kashmir, where several districts recorded sharper drops:

• Shopian emerged as the coldest place in the Valley at –8.2°C, down from –7.7°C on Friday

• Pulwama turned colder at –8°C, compared to –7.5°C a day earlier

• Anantnag and Awantipora both settled at –7°C

Residents in these areas reported severe frost, frozen water lines, and early morning ice on roads.

North Kashmir Largely Stable but Freezing

North Kashmir districts saw largely stable or slightly lower temperatures:

• Kupwara recorded –6.1°C, down from –5.8°C

• Baramulla stood at –5.8°C

• Bandipora remained nearly unchanged at –5.3°C

Though fluctuations were minor, sub-zero conditions persisted across the region.

Higher Reaches Turn Colder Again

Several higher-altitude areas witnessed renewed cooling:

• Pahalgam dropped to –7.8°C, from –7.6°C

• Sonamarg plunged sharply to –6.3°C, from –5.4°C

• Zethan Rafiabad showed marginal improvement, rising to –6.8°C from –7.2°C

Meteorologists note that such oscillations are typical during prolonged dry winters.

Why the Cold Feels Harsher This Year

Experts say the absence of widespread snowfall in the plains has intensified the cold:

• Snow normally acts as an insulating layer

• Dry ground allows faster heat loss at night

• Clear skies amplify radiational cooling

As a result, nights feel sharper and colder, even when temperatures rise marginally.

Weather Outlook: Dry With Occasional Cloudiness

According to weather officials, Kashmir is likely to experience:

• Partly cloudy weather from January 9 to 15

• Generally cloudy conditions on January 16 and 17, with a chance of light rain or snowfall over isolated higher reaches

• Similar conditions may return on January 20, and again between January 22 and 23, when light snowfall is possible at high altitudes

The intervening days are expected to remain mostly dry and cold.

Cold Wave Snapshot

Conclusion: Chillai Kalan at Its Harshest

As Chillai Kalan moves deeper into its peak phase, Kashmir remains locked in a prolonged freeze. While a few regions have seen marginal overnight relief, the overall cold wave shows no sign of easing.

Winter, it seems, is still writing—line by icy line—across the Valley.