Shocking for travel enthusiasts: Jammu colder than Srinagar, snowless Gulmarg

Despite the bone-chilling conditions in the Kashmir valley, a dry spell has prevailed. The minimum temperature dropped significantly, resulting in freezing nights and unusually warmer days. Srinagar recorded a maximum temperature of 14.2 degrees Celsius on Tuesday, 8.1 degrees higher than the usual temperature for this time of the year. Jammu, the winter capital, experienced colder temperatures than Srinagar, with a high of 11.6 degrees Celsius, 6.5 degrees below normal, Press Trust of India reported. Dense fog in Jammu contributed to colder days.

On Tuesday night, Srinagar recorded a minimum temperature of minus 5 degrees Celsius, down from minus 2.4 degrees Celsius the previous night. Other areas, including Qazigund, Gulmarg, and Pahalgam, also experienced cold temperatures during the ongoing "Chilla-i-Kalan," a harsh winter period characterized by a cold wave and freezing conditions.

Kashmir weather updates

Kashmir has witnessed a prolonged dry spell, with a 79% rainfall deficit recorded for December. The region has seen little to no precipitation in the first week of January. Despite the high probability of snowfall during this period, the meteorological department has forecast mainly dry weather in Kashmir until January 12. The absence of snow in the plains and reduced snowfall in higher reaches raise concerns about the ecological impact and the potential consequences for tourism and winter activities.




As visuals of a snow-less Gulmarg in Jammu and Kashmir have garnered attention this season, National Conference leader Omar Abdullah shared a recent experience on social media. Sharing two images from previous years taken on the same day, Abdullah noted that he has "never seen Gulmarg so dry in winters." He raised concerns about the potential impact on summer and skiing enthusiasts, highlighting the lack of snow, a crucial element for winter sports.

Dry winter in Gulmarg

"I’ve never seen Gulmarg so dry in the winter. To put this in to perspective here are a couple of photographs from previous years, both taken on the 6th of Jan. If we don’t get snow soon the summer is going to be miserable. Not to mention skiers like me who can’t wait to get on the slopes but there’s nothing to ski on," he posted.

Responding to Abdullah's post, netizens expressed worry about the Himalaya range, suggesting that deforestation is contributing to adverse consequences. They emphasized the need to halt forest deforestation to preserve the Himalayan ecosystem. Concerns were raised about the implications for the summer season and skiing enthusiasts due to the scarce snowfall in Gulmarg.


A video shared on recently on Instagram by @kashmirexpress further highlighted the unexpected absence of snow in Gulmarg. Shot on January 5, the video sparked discussions about the potential influence of climate change on the region's delicate ecosystem. Gulmarg, known for its pristine snowscapes, has historically attracted winter sports enthusiasts and nature lovers.