Sub-zero Kashmir nights continued across the Valley even as temperatures showed a slight improvement in most areas. Saturday, January 31, 2026, marked the beginning of Chillai Khurd, signalling the end of the harshest winter phase known as Chillai-Kalan.
According to officials, night temperatures stayed below the freezing point across Kashmir but rose at several locations. In Srinagar, the minimum temperature settled at minus 0.1 degrees Celsius on Friday night, compared to 1.3 degrees Celsius the previous night. Despite the dip, the reading remained 0.5 degrees above the seasonal average.
Gulmarg in Baramulla district recorded the coldest temperature in Jammu and Kashmir at minus 6.5 degrees Celsius. However, the ski resort showed improvement from the previous night’s minus 10.6 degrees Celsius. Pahalgam registered a low of minus 2.6 degrees, while Qazigund recorded minus 2.2 degrees Celsius.
Meanwhile, Kokernag and Kupwara saw minimum temperatures of minus 3.0 degrees and minus 2.5 degrees Celsius respectively. Temperature data for some areas, including Sonamarg, remained unavailable.
The Meteorological Department has forecast cloudy weather with light to moderate rain or snow, especially in higher reaches. The sub-zero Kashmir nights may continue, although Chillai Khurd usually brings milder cold. After this 20-day phase, the region will enter the 10-day Chillai Bachha period.
