Abdullah led a high-level review session to evaluate winter readiness throughout the Jammu region and the Kashmir Valley, as the meteorological department predicted moderate to heavy snowfall in the higher altitudes on Sunday.
“I reviewed both divisions, focusing mainly on districts where snowfall is expected—across all Valley districts and the upper reaches of Jammu. The administration has completed all necessary preparations; however, their adequacy will only be determined once the snowfall begins tomorrow,” the Chief Minister informed reporters following the meeting.
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Despite the potential challenges posed by heavy snowfall, Abdullah noted that the region has been looking forward to it after an unusually prolonged dry period.
“Even if we encounter difficulties due to the snow, I believe no one should complain, as we have been eagerly awaiting snowfall. It will purify the air, reduce pollution, and herald the onset of the winter tourism season,” he remarked.
Alhumdullilah, this prolonged dry spell in J&K, that has persisted since early last month, looks like it will finally end this weekend. https://t.co/7tzQzTnYFj
— Omar Abdullah (@OmarAbdullah) December 18, 2025
In a message shared on social platform X, Abdullah mentioned that he had performed a thorough review of winter readiness, assessing the conditions of roads, power and water supply, healthcare services, and the availability of essential goods across both divisions.
He instructed all departments to ensure continuous snow clearance on priority routes, maintain uninterrupted power and water supply, keep control rooms fully operational, and be prepared for swift emergency responses to lessen inconvenience for residents and tourists during winter.
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Officials indicated that Kashmir is preparing for a phase of wet weather, including moderate to heavy snowfall in higher areas, as the region approaches the beginning of ‘Chillai-Kalan’ — the harshest 40-day winter period commencing on December 21 and ending January 31.
The meteorological department predicts wet conditions on December 20 and 21, coinciding with the beginning of Chillai-Kalan. While significant snowfall is expected at higher altitudes, the plains may see light to moderate precipitation. Snowfall is typically more frequent during this time, coupled with a dramatic decrease in temperatures throughout the Valley.
Kashmir has yet to experience a major wet spell this winter. The ongoing dry conditions have led to a rise in seasonal illnesses like coughs and colds, according to officials.
Nighttime temperatures in the Valley showed a slight uptick on Saturday. Pulwama recorded the lowest minimum temperature, hitting minus 3.2 degrees Celsius. Srinagar registered a low of minus 0.4 degrees Celsius, about two degrees warmer than the previous night.
A thick layer of fog enveloped Srinagar and other areas, especially near water bodies, during the morning hours.
In south Kashmir, the tourist hotspot Pahalgam recorded a minimum of minus 1 degree Celsius, while Kokernag and Qazigund registered temperatures of 0.8 and minus 1 degree Celsius, respectively. Kupwara in north Kashmir recorded minus 0.7 degrees Celsius.
Gulmarg, a key winter tourism destination in the Valley, noted a minimum temperature of 2 degrees Celsius, remaining above freezing, according to the weather department.
