Cold Wave Tightens Grip on Jammu & Kashmir — Valley Shivers as Temperatures Plunge

Cold Wave Tightens Grip on Jammu & Kashmir: Srinagar Records Season’s Coldest Night at –3.9°C

By: Javid Amin | 25 November 2025

A Frigid Grip Across the Valley

In the last few days, the Himalayan valley of Kashmir has plunged into one of the severest cold spells in recent years. According to the local meteorological department’s data compiled by regional media, Srinagar — the summer capital — recorded a bone-chilling –3.9 °C on the night of 25 November 2025, the lowest of the season so far, marking a sharp deterioration in weather conditions.

But Srinagar was only the beginning. Across the valley, multiple districts recorded freezing-cold temperatures that hammered daily life, pointing to a deepening and widespread “cold wave” — with potential to intensify further in the coming days.

Cold Wave by the Numbers: What the Thermometer Says

Here’s a snapshot of the latest low-temperature readings from across Jammu & Kashmir (J&K), underlining the severity and geographic spread of the cold spell:

It is noteworthy that the sub-zero readings are not limited to high-altitude or remote areas — even major inhabited towns and tourist hubs are enduring harsh cold, underscoring a valley-wide freeze rather than a localised chill.

Media reports attribute this sharp dip largely to persistent dry weather and clear skies, which at night allow heat to escape rapidly, causing temperatures to plunge dramatically.

Why the Early Freeze — Meteorological Context

According to weather analysts and local meteorologists, several factors are contributing to this unusually early and intense cold wave:

• Dry spell and clear skies: With little to no precipitation in recent days, the valley is experiencing persistent dry weather. Clear skies at night accelerate radiative cooling — meaning heat is lost quickly from the ground, leading to sharp temperature drops.

• Regional climate influences: Some experts point to broader climatic patterns — including the influence of La Niña — for contributing to the cold conditions this year.

• Pre-Chillai Kalan effect: While the official 40-day harsh winter window known as Chillai Kalan begins around 21 December, this year’s cold wave appears to be bringing those severe conditions well ahead of schedule. Locals and officials alike warn that what is being felt now may be a precursor to an especially brutal Chillai Kalan.

This combination of regional climate drivers and local meteorological conditions has created a perfect storm, pushing the valley into early deep freeze.

The Human Cost: Impact on Daily Life & Infrastructure

Frozen Water Lines, Icy Roads, and Disrupted Services

As temperatures drop below freezing across inhabited areas, residents are already experiencing the unpleasant consequences: frozen water taps, icy roads, and frozen-over water bodies. Numerous reports mention that partly frozen pipelines and frequent frost are disrupting daily water supply.

In some localities, early morning fog — combined with ice-laden roads — is creating hazardous conditions for commuters. As dry weather persists, the risk of slippery roads and vehicular accidents rises, particularly in highland and hill-road areas.

Return to Traditional Heating — The Kanger & Pheran

With the cold intensifying, many Kashmiris are reverting to traditional ways to keep warm. One such enduring cultural artifact is the Kanger — an earthen pot encased in wicker, filled with hot embers, that locals carry under their pheran (a long woolen cloak) to ward off the cold.

Once largely replaced by modern heating solutions, the kanger is seeing renewed use — a testament to the severity of the cold and the limitations of electric or modern heating in many Kashmir households, especially in remote or less-equipped areas.

Tourism & Lifestyle: Charm Meets Challenge

The cold wave’s impact is not limited to residents — it also affects tourism, livelihoods, and the everyday rhythm of life in the Valley.

Winter Charm vs. Harsh Reality

Destinations like Pahalgam and Gulmarg — ordinarily known for their winter beauty — are facing a paradox: while the chill may add to their wintry allure, the harsh cold, frozen water lines, and risk of icy roads make life difficult for locals and tourists alike.

Tourists, especially those not accustomed to such extreme cold, may find the conditions challenging; meanwhile local businesses (guesthouses, ski lodges, transport operators) could see disruptions if infrastructure fails or road conditions worsen.

Early Start to “Chillai Kalan” Hardships

Because the cold has struck so early, many preparations that usually begin closer to late December are already in full swing — sorting firewood, readying kangers, insulating water lines. For some households, especially in less well-off areas, this can mean increased expenses and stress.

Local authorities may also need to adjust resource allocation: water supply maintenance, road-safety measures, and emergency services must now gear up earlier than usual.

Environmental Context & Long-Term Concerns

Beyond the immediate challenges, this early and intense cold wave raises important environmental and climate-related questions:

• Changing winter patterns: The heat of summer 2025 in Kashmir, followed by this abnormal cold, suggests increasing volatility in climatic patterns — possibly linked to broader climate change dynamics. Some experts fear that such swings between heat and cold could become more frequent, disrupting traditional seasonal cycles.

• Impact on water supply and snow-dependent ecosystems: If dry spells continue — as currently observed — snowfall and precipitation could be below normal, straining the replenishment of snow-fed streams, rivers and underground aquifers. That, in turn, could affect water availability for agriculture, drinking water, and ecosystem health in coming months. Environmental analyses from recent winters raise similar concerns.

• Strain on infrastructure and energy demand: As people return to traditional heating methods (kanger, wood fire, etc.), there may be increased pressure on fuel sources, potential deforestation (if firewood demand surges), and increased indoor air-pollution risks.

These factors underscore that the cold wave isn’t only a transient discomfort — it may be a symptom of deeper, systemic shifts in climate and environment in the Himalayan region.

What Officials & Residents Are Saying — Voices from the Valley

Local media and weather-watchers are issuing early warnings: with the current signs, sub-zero temperatures could persist for days to come, possibly even intensify. Some analysts attribute the unusual cold partly to the influence of La Niña, combined with a persistent dry spell across the valley — a mix that’s bringing winter far earlier than usual.

Residents, meanwhile, are adjusting in real time: many have started using their kangers and pherans again, stocking up on essentials, insulating water pipes, and bracing for more nights of frost. As one report noted, “the cold wave has intensified and more places than ever before are seeing severe sub-zero readings.”

Schools, transport services, and tourist operators may also have to recalibrate: early winter vacations, possible road closures in high-altitude areas, and readiness for potential snow or icy conditions.

What to Expect: Outlook for the Coming Days

Given current meteorological forecasts, the cold wave is unlikely to relent soon. Experts suggest that dry, clear nights will prevail for at least the near term — which typically means continued radiative cooling and sub-zero temperatures across large parts of the valley.

If this pattern remains, residents should prepare for:

• More nights at or below freezing, possibly reaching even lower extremes in higher altitudes.

• Increased reliance on traditional heating (kanger, wood stoves) due to energy demand and potential electric supply constraints.

• Greater strain on water supply lines, roads, and essential services — especially in remote or less-equipped areas.

• Possible disruptions to tourism, transport, and local businesses, as winter conditions set in early and intensify.

On the flip side, for those who cherish Kashmir’s wintry beauty, this could signal an early start to the season — with snow-covered landscapes, frosty mornings, and the classic charm of winter in the Himalayas. But that charm comes at a cost: discomfort, risk, and uncertainty.

Reflections: Traditions, Resilience & a Valley Transformed

This cold wave is a stark reminder of how deeply the winters shape life in Kashmir — not just in terms of weather, but culture, tradition, and resilience.

The renewed importance of items like the kanger and pheran demonstrates how time-honored practices still matter — especially when modern comforts falter. It connects the present to generations past, when Kashmiris braved harsh winters with simple, handmade tools and communal resourcefulness.

Yet, at the same time, the environmental and climatic backdrop raises deeper questions. If winters keep shifting — starting early, becoming harsher, with unpredictable precipitation and snow patterns — traditional ways of life and even long-standing festivals like Chillai Kalan may get disturbed.

For the valley and its people, this cold wave isn’t just an early winter; it may be an early warning — a signal that climate, lifestyle, and environment are all changing, and adaptation will be critical.

2–3 Month Projection: What the Current Cold Wave Means for J&K

This early and intense cold wave — arriving weeks before Chillai Kalan — is likely to shape the winter season in several significant ways. Based on historical patterns, recent meteorological trends, and ground-level behavior, here is what residents, tourists, and policymakers can expect.

Weather Projection (Next 8–12 Weeks)

1. Continued Sub-Zero Nights Across the Valley

• Clear skies + dry spell = ongoing radiative cooling.

• Srinagar may routinely hit –4°C to –6°C in December.

• South Kashmir (Shopian, Pulwama) could see –7°C to –10°C spikes on colder nights.

2. Stronger Cold Wave as Chillai Kalan Begins (Dec 21 – Jan 31)

Traditionally, Chillai Kalan is the 40-day harshest winter period.
Given the early freeze, 2025–26 may be:

• Colder than average

• Longer in duration

• Snowfall concentrated late, possibly January-heavy

3. Snowfall Patterns

• November was dry, and December may remain below-average snowfall.

• January and early February could bring strong snowfall events, potentially heavy in upper belts (Gulmarg, Sonamarg, Pahalgam, Kupwara highlands).

• Plains (Srinagar, Anantnag, Budgam) may see 2–3 snowfall cycles, but timing may skew later toward January.

Water Availability & Hydrology Outlook

1. Delayed Snowfall = Reduced Immediate Water Flow

Streams, springs, and wells may see reduced winter discharge, especially in:

• Kupwara

• Pulwama

• Budgam’s rural belts

2. Groundwater Recharge Depends on January Snow

If heavy snowfall occurs in January:

• Good recharge for spring/summer 2026

• Snow-fed rivers like Jhelum get healthy inflow

If snowfall stays low:

• Possible early-summer water stress

• Agriculture (especially paddy & apple irrigation) may face pressure

Agriculture & Horticulture Impact

Positive

• Early cold is beneficial for apple chilling hours; the crop requires adequate low temperatures for healthy flowering.

• Saffron (Pampore plateau) benefits from cold, provided it’s dry.

Negative

• Prolonged freeze = risk of frost damage to young orchard branches.

• Vegetables (collard, spinach, turnips) face slow growth and may become costlier.

Vulnerable Sectors

• Dairy farms: reduced milk production due to harsh cold.

• Poultry units: higher mortality risk without proper heating.

Tourism & Economic Projection

1. Short-Term (Next 1 Month)

Tourist footfall may increase in:

• Gulmarg

• Pahalgam

• Sonamarg (if roads remain open)

Cold adds charm — but icy roads & water shortages may reduce comfort.

2. Peak Winter Period (Dec–Feb)

Expect:

• Heavy bookings in Gulmarg (ski season)

• Transport delays on:

  • Zojila

  • Mughal Road

  • Srinagar–Gulmarg highway (Tangmarg belt)

3. Risk Factor

If snowfall is delayed:

• Reduced snow-based tourism in December

• Strong rush after first January snowfall

Economically, winter tourism will end up stable or slightly above average, depending on snowfall timing.

Infrastructure & Public Services

1. Water Supply Disruptions

Likely to worsen:

• Frozen pipes

• Burst water lines

• Reduced water pressure in mornings

Urban bodies may need emergency teams for thawing and repairs.

2. Electricity Demand Spike

Kashmir already faces winter power cuts; expect:

• Higher load on grid

• More unscheduled outages

• Increased use of inverters, gas heaters, kangers

3. Road & Air Travel

• Icy roads → higher accident risk

• Fog spells → airport delays (especially morning flights)

• National Highway may see frequent closures due to landslides + frost

Social Impact & Lifestyle Projection

Increased Reliance on Traditional Heating

Kanger + pheran use will spike massively.
Heating costs rise → financial burden on low-income households.

Health Concerns

Expected increase in:

• Respiratory infections

• Hypothermia risks in elderly

• Flu, cold, pneumonia cases in children

• Carbon-monoxide poisoning from indoor heating (annual winter risk)

Education & Productivity

• Morning school timings may be shifted

• Outdoor activity decreases

• Online classes might increase temporarily

Long-Term Environmental Signals

The 2025 early freeze is part of a broader pattern visible in recent years:

• Summer heat extremes

• Abrupt cold waves

• Dry winters followed by late heavy snow

• Variable precipitation

These shifts may indicate:

• A transition to more volatile micro-climate in Kashmir

• Greater risk of both winter droughts and spring floods

• Pressure on Himalayan biodiversity

This winter can thus be a critical indicator of how Kashmir’s climate is evolving.

Summary for Policymakers & Public

Most Likely Scenario

• Early cold → prolonged winter

• Snowfall concentrated in late December–January

• Infrastructure strain + tourism boost

• Moderate agricultural benefit

• Water security depends on January snow

High-Risk Areas

• Elderly population

• Remote villages (Bandipora, Kupwara, Shopian highlands)

• Transport corridors (NH44, Zojila)

• Urban water systems

Opportunities

• Tourism economy

• Apple & horticulture chilling

• Groundwater recharge (if snowfall is good)

Bottom-Line: Winter Arrives Early — With Beauty and Hardship

The recent plunge in temperatures in Jammu & Kashmir — with Srinagar touching –3.9 °C and remote passes like Zojila falling to –16 °C — marks the start of a severe cold wave across the valley. What’s striking is not only the cold’s intensity, but its early arrival, well before the traditional winter window.

For residents, it means early hardship: freezing taps, icy roads, reliance on traditional heating, and uncertainty over water and energy supply. For tourists and businesses, it means adapting to unpredictable conditions and possible disruption.

Yet amidst the chill, there remains a layer of time-tested resilience: locals donning pherans and clutching kangris, communities bracing together for the days ahead, and traditions enduring despite modern woes.

If this cold wave is indeed a harbinger — of a long, brutal winter or of wider environmental change — Kashmir will need to draw on both its cultural legacy and adaptive capacity: to stay warm, to stay safe, and to navigate a season that arrives with harshness, but also with a quiet, rugged beauty.