Overview
- Srinagar fell to −2.6°C as night temperatures stayed below freezing across the Valley, with Pahalgam at −4.8°C, Gulmarg at −4.2°C, Kupwara at −3.8°C and Qazigund at −2.8°C.
- The IMD projects largely dry weather through December 29 before light rain or snow on December 30 and broader precipitation on December 31–January 1.
- Weather officials say moderate snowfall is possible in some middle and higher reaches of north and central Kashmir, with a chance of isolated higher-reach snow on January 2.
- Punjab and Haryana reported intense cold with widespread fog, and Ballowal Saunkhri was Punjab’s coldest at 4.4°C, as Gurugram dipped to 4.9°C in Haryana.
- Tourist bookings surged for New Year, with hotels in Srinagar, Gulmarg and Pahalgam reporting full occupancy despite the severe chill.