Kashmir is likely to experience a gentle change in weather next week, with light rain and snow expected around the New Year period. According to the Meteorological Department, the weather is expected to stay mostly dry until December 28, after which fresh spells of wet weather may make their way into the Valley.
Officials said light snowfall over isolated higher reaches is likely on December 29. This may be followed by light rain in the plains and light snowfall in the higher reaches between December 30 and January 1. These changes are typical at this time of year but still bring a sense of anticipation for residents and visitors alike.
The recent overcast sky has helped ease the intense cold, slightly improving minimum temperatures across many areas. Srinagar recorded a minimum temperature of 0.2°C, a noticeable rise from the previous minus 2.2°C, bringing some relief to residents waking up to chilly mornings.
Sonamarg in central Kashmir remained the coldest location, touching minus 4.7°C, although this too was warmer compared with minus 7.3°C recorded earlier. Gulmarg followed closely at minus 4.5°C, maintaining its reputation as one of the coldest and most scenic winter destinations.
Pahalgam, popular with tourists and known as a key base camp for the Amarnath Yatra, recorded a minimum of minus 1.6°C, up from minus 4.4°C the previous night. Other recorded temperatures included Qazigund at 0.2°C, Kokernag at 0.8°C and Kupwara at minus 2.4°C.
As the Valley moves toward the end of the year, these light winter showers and snowflakes are more than just weather updates. They signal seasonal transitions, daily resilience, and the quiet beauty that winter brings to the people who live here. For many, the arrival of snow is not just about cold—it carries emotions, memories, challenges, and warmth found in shared cups of tea, glowing kangris, and neighbors checking in on each other. Weather is not only about degrees and forecasts; it is about lives continuing, communities adapting, and stories unfolding softly under the winter sky.
