As 2025 draws to a close, Kashmir prepares to welcome 2025 under a fresh white blanket—bringing both celebration and concern in equal measure.
By: Javid Amin | 28 December 2025
Why This Weather Event Matters
A fresh Western Disturbance (WD) is expected to impact Jammu & Kashmir on December 31, triggering a new spell of snowfall across the Valley just as residents and tourists prepare to ring in the New Year.
According to weather forecasts, higher reaches of Kashmir are likely to receive moderate to heavy snowfall, while plains, including Srinagar, may witness light to moderate snowfall or rain. The system is also expected to push temperatures further down, intensifying the ongoing cold wave.
For Kashmir, snowfall is never just about weather—it influences daily life, tourism, agriculture, infrastructure, and mobility, often all at once.
Western Disturbance Explained: What’s Coming to Kashmir
Western Disturbances are low-pressure weather systems originating over the Mediterranean region that move eastwards, bringing rain and snow to North India during winter.
What This WD Is Expected to Bring
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Increased cloud cover from December 31
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Snowfall in higher-altitude regions
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Rain and snow mix in lower areas
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Sharp drop in night temperatures
Meteorologists say this system aligns with typical late-December WD patterns, often associated with New Year snowfall in Kashmir.
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Snowfall Forecast: Region-Wise Outlook
Higher Reaches Likely to See Heavy Snow
Areas expected to receive moderate to heavy snowfall include:
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Gulmarg
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Sonmarg
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Pahalgam
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Kupwara
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Shopian
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Upper reaches of Bandipora and Gurez
These regions are already experiencing sub-zero temperatures, making conditions favourable for sustained snowfall.
Plains Including Srinagar: Light to Moderate Snow or Rain
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Srinagar and adjoining low-lying areas may receive light to moderate snowfall, especially during late night and early morning hours.
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Some areas may experience rain initially, followed by snow as temperatures drop.
Temperature Dip: Cold Wave to Intensify
With the arrival of the WD:
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Minimum temperatures are expected to fall further
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Night-time cold conditions may intensify
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Water bodies and pipes may freeze in several areas
Kashmir is already witnessing Chillai Kalan, the harshest 40-day winter phase, and fresh snowfall will reinforce extreme cold conditions.
Travel Advisory: Disruptions Likely
Authorities have issued advisories warning of possible disruptions in road and air connectivity, particularly during peak snowfall hours.
Key Risk Zones
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Srinagar–Jammu National Highway (NH-44)
Likely to face temporary closures due to snow accumulation and landslides. -
Srinagar Airport
Flight delays or cancellations are possible if snowfall intensifies or visibility drops.
Tourists and commuters have been advised to:
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Avoid unnecessary travel during snowfall
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Check weather and road updates regularly
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Keep buffer days in travel plans
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On the Ground: How Kashmir Is Preparing
Administration Steps Up Snow Preparedness
The administration has activated winter response mechanisms:
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Snow clearance machinery deployed in vulnerable zones
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Control rooms set up for emergency response
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Power and water supply teams placed on alert
Officials say the focus is on keeping arterial roads functional and restoring connectivity quickly after snowfall.
Residents Stock Up for Winter Disruptions
For locals, snowfall preparation is routine—but essential.
Across Srinagar and south Kashmir:
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Families are stocking essentials
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Firewood and heating arrangements are being secured
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Residents are bracing for power cuts and frozen water lines, common during heavy snow spells
Tourism Sector Gears Up for a Snowy New Year
While snowfall brings challenges, it also fuels Kashmir’s winter tourism economy.
Hotels and Houseboats Ready for New Year Rush
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Hotels in Gulmarg, Pahalgam, and Srinagar report strong New Year bookings
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Houseboat owners on Dal Lake are preparing for guests seeking a “white New Year” experience
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Tour operators say snow enhances demand, despite logistical hurdles
For many tourists, New Year snowfall is the highlight, not the inconvenience.
Farmers Voice Concern Over Orchard Damage
Not everyone welcomes heavy snowfall with celebration.
Apple growers and orchard owners, particularly in Shopian, Pulwama, and Kupwara, express concern that:
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Prolonged or wet snow can damage branches
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Excess moisture may affect dormant orchards
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Access to orchards becomes difficult
Farmers say while snow is vital for soil moisture, timing and intensity matter.
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A Season of Contrasts: Beauty and Hardship Together
Snowfall in Kashmir is always a paradox.
For Locals
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Beauty comes with hardship
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Daily routines slow down
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Power, water, and mobility become uncertain
For Tourists
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Snow transforms landscapes into dreamlike scenes
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Gondola rides, snow walks, and winter photography peak
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Travel plans require flexibility
What This Means Going into 2025
This New Year’s Eve snowfall is not just a seasonal event—it reflects larger realities:
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Climate variability making winter spells less predictable
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Tourism growth demanding stronger infrastructure readiness
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Local resilience, shaped by decades of harsh winters
For policymakers, the challenge remains balancing tourism promotion with winter preparedness, ensuring safety without discouraging visitors.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): Kashmir New Year Snowfall
1. When is the Western Disturbance expected to hit Kashmir?
The Western Disturbance is expected to affect Jammu & Kashmir from December 31 (New Year’s Eve), with snowfall activity continuing into early January depending on system intensity.
2. Which areas are likely to receive heavy snowfall?
Moderate to heavy snowfall is forecast for higher reaches, including:
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Gulmarg
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Sonamarg
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Pahalgam
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Kupwara
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Shopian
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Upper reaches of Bandipora and Gurez
3. Will Srinagar receive snowfall?
Yes. Srinagar and other plains are likely to witness light to moderate snowfall or rain, particularly during late night and early morning hours.
4. How will temperatures be affected?
Minimum temperatures are expected to drop further, intensifying cold wave conditions as Kashmir is currently under Chillai Kalan, the harshest winter phase.
5. Will flights to and from Srinagar be affected?
Flight delays or cancellations are possible, depending on snowfall intensity and visibility at Srinagar Airport. Passengers are advised to check with airlines before travel.
6. Is the Srinagar–Jammu highway likely to close?
Temporary closures or traffic restrictions on the Srinagar–Jammu National Highway (NH-44) are possible due to snowfall or landslides. Authorities have deployed snow-clearance teams.
7. Is it safe for tourists to visit Kashmir during this snowfall?
Tourism remains active, especially in Gulmarg and Srinagar. However, tourists should:
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Keep buffer days
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Follow official advisories
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Avoid unnecessary travel during heavy snowfall
8. How is the administration preparing for snowfall?
Authorities have:
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Deployed snow-clearing machinery
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Activated emergency control rooms
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Alerted power and water supply departments
9. Why are farmers concerned about heavy snowfall?
Farmers worry that heavy or wet snow may damage apple orchards, especially if snowfall is prolonged. However, moderate snow is beneficial for soil moisture.
10. Does snowfall help winter tourism in Kashmir?
Yes. Snowfall significantly boosts winter tourism, particularly in Gulmarg, Pahalgam, and Srinagar, attracting visitors for skiing, snow walks, and New Year celebrations.
Also Read | Kashmir More Easy & More Affordable | Delhi–Kashmir–Delhi Rail Tour Packages 2026
LIVE UPDATES: Kashmir Snowfall Watch | New Year’s Eve
December 30 | 6:30 PM
Weather officials confirm a Western Disturbance approaching Jammu & Kashmir, with cloud build-up visible over higher reaches.
December 31 | 8:00 AM
Overcast conditions reported across the Valley. Temperatures dip further as Chillai Kalan intensifies.
December 31 | 2:00 PM
Authorities advise travelers to remain cautious, especially on the Srinagar–Jammu highway. Snow clearance teams placed on standby.
December 31 | 6:00 PM
Light snowfall begins in higher reaches of Gulmarg and Pahalgam. Srinagar remains cloudy with intermittent drizzle reported in some areas.
December 31 | 10:30 PM
Tourist hotspots report strong New Year occupancy. Hotels and houseboats prepare for possible overnight snowfall.
January 1 | Early Morning (Expected)
Moderate snowfall likely in upper reaches. Light snow possible in Srinagar as temperatures fall further overnight.
January 1 | Advisory
Travelers advised to check road, flight, and weather updates before moving. Essential services remain on alert.
Final Word: Kashmir Welcomes the New Year in White
As the Western Disturbance approaches, Kashmir stands at a familiar crossroads—between celebration and caution, beauty and burden.
Whether seen from a snow-covered balcony in Srinagar, a gondola cabin in Gulmarg, or a quiet village in south Kashmir, this New Year snowfall is a reminder of the Valley’s fragile winter resilience.
In Kashmir, snow does not just fall.
It arrives with meaning.
