Minimum temperatures in Kashmir improved on Friday, January 16, 2026, settling above seasonal averages. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) said light snowfall is expected in the higher reaches of the valley due to an approaching western disturbance. Srinagar recorded a low of -1.5°C on Thursday night, a rise from -3.9°C the previous night and half a degree above the seasonal average. Pulwama was the coldest place in the valley, dipping to -4.6°C. Pahalgam’s minimum rose from -5°C to -2.6°C, while Gulmarg saw -2.3°C, which is 5.5 degrees warmer than usual for this time. Sonamarg’s temperature was -1.6°C. Qazigund also recorded -1.6°C, Kupwara -1.4°C, and Kokernag was the only place above freezing with 0.2°C. The valley is currently in the middle of 'Chilla-i-Kalan', the coldest 40-day winter stretch. It started on December 21 and will end on January 30, followed by 'Chilla Khurd' and 'Chillai Bachha'. During this period, nights are very cold and snowfall chances are high. According to the IMD, the western disturbance is expected to affect Kashmir’s weather from Friday afternoon, bringing chances of light snowfall in higher areas and light rain in lower regions.