Abdullah led a high-level review meeting to evaluate winter preparedness throughout the Jammu region and the Kashmir Valley, as the meteorological department predicted moderate to heavy snowfall in the higher elevations on Sunday.
“I reviewed both divisions, particularly the areas forecasted to receive snow — all districts in the Valley and the higher altitudes of Jammu. The administration has completed all preparations, but it will only be known if they are sufficient once it begins to snow tomorrow,” the chief minister remarked to reporters after the meeting.
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Despite the potential challenges posed by heavy snowfall, Abdullah emphasized that the region has been looking forward to it following a lengthy dry spell.
“Even if we encounter some difficulties because of the snow, I believe no one should complain, as we have been eagerly awaiting snowfall. It will clear the air, reduce pollution, and kick-start the winter tourism season,” he stated.
Alhumdullilah, this extended dry spell in J&K, which has lasted since early last month, seems to be coming to an end this weekend. https://t.co/7tzQzTnYFj
— Omar Abdullah (@OmarAbdullah) December 18, 2025
In a social media post on platform X, Abdullah mentioned he conducted a thorough review of winter readiness, covering road conditions, 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, unbroken power and water supply, fully functional control rooms, and prompt emergency responses to minimize inconvenience for residents and visitors during the winter months.
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Officials reported that Kashmir is preparing for a spell of wet weather, including moderate to heavy snowfall in the higher elevations, as the region nears the onset of ‘Chillai-Kalan’ — the harshest 40-day winter period beginning December 21 and lasting until January 31.
The meteorological department has indicated wet conditions on December 20 and 21, coinciding with the start of Chillai-Kalan. While significant snowfall is expected in the higher altitudes, light to moderate precipitation is anticipated in the plains. Snowfall during this period is typically frequent, accompanied by a sharp decline in temperatures across the Valley.
Up until now, Kashmir has not faced any significant wet spell this winter. The extended dry conditions have led to an increase in seasonal illnesses such as coughs and colds, officials noted.
Night temperatures showed a slight improvement across the Valley on Saturday. Pulwama recorded the lowest minimum temperature at minus 3.2 degrees Celsius. Srinagar reported a low of minus 0.4 degrees Celsius, approximately two degrees warmer than the previous night.
A dense layer of fog blanketed Srinagar and several other areas, especially near water bodies, during the morning hours.
In south Kashmir, the tourist hotspot Pahalgam recorded a minimum temperature of minus 1 degree Celsius, while Kokernag and Qazigund noted 0.8 and minus 1 degree Celsius, respectively. Kupwara in north Kashmir settled at minus 0.7 degrees Celsius.
Gulmarg, one of the Valley’s major winter tourism destinations, recorded a minimum temperature of 2 degrees Celsius, remaining above the freezing point, according to the weather department.
