Kashmir Welcomes New Year with Snowfall Amid Rising Temperatures

Kashmir has welcomed the New Year with a fresh blanket of snow across its higher reaches, delighting tourists who are visiting for the celebrations. While the snowfall has created a beautiful winter landscape in popular tourist spots like Gulmarg, Sonamarg, and Pahalgam, concerns are being raised about the impact on water reservoirs. With the ongoing 'Chillai Kalan' period, the region has yet to see significant precipitation, raising questions about future water supply for agriculture and drinking needs. As temperatures rise above freezing in most areas, the situation remains critical for local residents and visitors alike.

By Narendra Chaudhary Dec 31, 2025, 12:36 IST

Snowfall in Kashmir's Higher Reaches

Srinagar, Dec 31: In the past 12 hours, the higher elevations of Kashmir have experienced snowfall, coinciding with a rise in minimum temperatures across the region, except for the Gulmarg ski resort.

Tourists visiting the Valley for New Year's Eve celebrations expressed their excitement as they witnessed snowfall in popular destinations like Gulmarg, Sonamarg, and Pahalgam. The fresh layer of snow created a picturesque backdrop for the festivities.

The region is currently bustling with visitors from various parts of the country, many of whom are experiencing snowfall for the first time.

All accommodations in Srinagar and Gulmarg are fully booked, with Sonamarg and Pahalgam also seeing an influx of tourists this winter season.

The minimum temperature across the Valley has risen above freezing due to persistent cloud cover overnight, with Gulmarg recording a low of minus 3 degrees Celsius.

Srinagar's minimum temperature was noted at 2.3 degrees Celsius, while Pahalgam recorded 1.8 degrees.

In Jammu, the temperatures were higher, with the city at 10.4 degrees Celsius, Katra at 10 degrees, Batote at 8.8, Banihal at 5.9, and Bhaderwah at 4 degrees.

Despite the snowfall in the hills, residents in central Kashmir, including Srinagar, have been left disappointed as they have yet to see significant snowfall in the plains this season.

When questioned about whether the recent snowfall would help replenish the region's water reservoirs, an earth scientist responded, stating, 'No, we need at least two feet of snow in the plains to expect a substantial accumulation in the higher areas.'

'If the snowfall in Gulmarg and Sonamarg is minimal, it is unrealistic to expect it to replenish our water supplies for the summer months,' he added.

The harsh winter period known as 'Chillai Kalan' began on December 21, and so far, Jammu and Kashmir have not experienced significant precipitation. If this period concludes without heavy snowfall, it could pose serious challenges for horticulture, agriculture, and drinking water availability in the summer.