Tourists are arriving in significant numbers in the Kashmir Valley to usher in the New Year. The Pahalgam hill station experienced a minimum temperature of minus 4.8 degrees Celsius, signaling the onset of winter. Hotels in Srinagar, Gulmarg, and Pahalgam are witnessing full occupancy after a long time.
The Meteorological Department has predicted partly or generally cloudy weather from December 27 to December 29, with light rain/snow in isolated places on December 30. The forecast for December 31 and January 1 includes generally cloudy weather with light rain/snow in many areas and a chance of moderate snowfall in the north and central parts of the Valley.
Srinagar city recorded a minimum temperature of minus 2.6 degrees Celsius, while Gulmarg and Pahalgam registered minus 4.2 and minus 4.8 degrees Celsius, respectively. The ‘Chillai Kalan,’ a 40-day period of severe winter cold, began on December 21 and will continue until January 30.
This winter, the Valley has seen a higher influx of migratory birds from Siberia, China, the Philippines, and Eastern Europe. These birds migrate to Kashmir during winter to escape the extreme cold in their native habitats.
