Severe Weather Alert Issued for Western Himalayas: Heavy Snowfall Expected

The India Meteorological Department has issued a severe weather alert for the western Himalayan region, predicting heavy snowfall and cold temperatures starting January 6, 2026. Areas including Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand are expected to experience significant weather changes, with light to moderate snowfall anticipated initially, followed by heavier snowfall from January 7 to 13. The ongoing Chillai Kalan period is contributing to the extreme cold, with temperatures in some regions dropping significantly. Stay informed about the latest weather updates and prepare for the cold snap.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jan 6, 2026, 14:53 IST

Weather Warnings for Jammu and Kashmir Region

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a comprehensive weather alert for the western Himalayan region, forecasting heavy rainfall and deteriorating conditions starting January 6, 2026, across Jammu and Kashmir-Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand. On January 6, light to moderate snowfall and rain are anticipated in certain areas, while a more intense weather system from January 7 to 13 is expected to bring moderate to heavy snowfall. This fresh snowfall, along with ground frost and cold temperatures, will exacerbate the chill in these mountainous states.

Cold Snap in Kashmir

Light snowfall has occurred in some elevated areas of Kashmir, leading to a drop in nighttime temperatures and a resurgence of cold in the region. Officials reported that light snowfall was recorded in higher altitudes of Kashmir, causing nighttime temperatures to fall. On Monday night, Gulmarg in the Baramulla district was noted as the coldest place in Jammu and Kashmir, with a minimum temperature of minus 8.6 degrees Celsius.

Record Low Temperatures in Tourist Spots

Officials indicated that Gulmarg, a popular tourist resort, experienced its coldest night of the winter, with temperatures plunging nearly nine degrees below freezing. Following another round of snowfall on Sunday, the minimum temperature recorded was minus 8.8 degrees Celsius. A weak western disturbance contributed to light snowfall in some areas of Kashmir, including the Mughal Road and upper regions of Ganderbal on Monday night. In Srinagar, the minimum temperature dropped to four degrees below zero, compared to 3.6 degrees below zero the previous night.

Chillai Kalan Period Continues

In Pahalgam, a tourist destination in southern Kashmir, temperatures fell to 6.8 degrees Celsius below zero, while Kazi Gund, the gateway to the valley, recorded a minimum of three degrees below zero. Kokernag experienced temperatures two degrees below zero, and Kupwara recorded minus 3.1 degrees Celsius. The valley is currently in the midst of the Chillai Kalan period, which lasts for 40 days of severe cold, often seeing nighttime temperatures several degrees below freezing and a high likelihood of snowfall. However, there has been no snowfall in the valley's plains this season. The IMD has forecasted light snowfall in some elevated areas of north and central Kashmir on Tuesday, with dry weather expected but cloudy conditions persisting until January 20.