The Kashmir valley has woken up to a pronounced chill as night temperatures took a significant dip across the region. Clear skies have led to intense radiation cooling, resulting in a severe cold wave gripping the popular destinations.
Gulmarg Records Season's Chill
The world-famous ski resort of Gulmarg emerged as the coldest recorded place in the region, with the mercury plummeting to a biting minus 7 degrees Celsius. This sharp fall indicates the deepening of the winter season, attracting tourists seeking the quintessential snowy experience.
Valley Gateway Towns Feel the Bite
The cold wave was not confined to the heights alone. Qazigund, often termed the gateway town to the Kashmir valley, recorded a low of minus 1.2 degrees Celsius. Further south, the town of Kokernag also shivered, with temperatures settling at minus 0.5 degrees Celsius. These readings confirm a widespread drop in the nocturnal thermometer levels.
Clear Skies and Weather Outlook
Meteorological experts attribute this sudden temperature fall to the clear atmospheric conditions. The absence of cloud cover allows heat to escape rapidly from the earth's surface after sunset. This pattern is typical for the first week of January in the region. Residents and tourists are advised to brace for similar conditions in the coming nights, with the possibility of temperatures dropping further in the higher reaches.
The current weather data, reported by PTI on January 2, 2026, underscores the intensity of the Himalayan winter. While the clear skies offer stunning daytime vistas, they come with the trade-off of intensely cold nights, defining the winter character of Jammu and Kashmir.
