Cold conditions gripped Kashmir as minimum temperatures stayed below freezing, officials reported on Friday, December 12, 2025. Srinagar recorded a chilly low of -3.6°C on Thursday night, plunging further from the previous -2.9°C and standing 2.4° below the seasonal normal. South Kashmir’s Qazigund dropped to -2.8°C, while Kupwara in north Kashmir also recorded -3.6°C. Kokernag’s low was -0.7°C. Pahalgam, a key base camp for the Amarnath Yatra, hit -4.6°C. The famous ski resort Gulmarg registered a low of 0°C. Pulwama was the coldest spot at -5.5°C, with neighboring Shopian at -5°C. Dry weather has led to a rise in cough and common cold cases. Doctors advised people, especially children and elderly, to take precautions and stay indoors. The meteorological department forecast very light snowfall at isolated high-altitude areas of north and central Kashmir from December 13 to 17. From December 18 to 19, the weather is expected to be partly to generally cloudy. Light rain or snow could occur at scattered locations on December 20-21, marking the start of 'Chillai Kalan,' the coldest 40-day winter phase. Shallow to moderate fog may also linger across the valley in the coming days.