It’s a winter wonderland for visitors, but a survival challenge for locals. Kashmir’s La Niña-driven winter brings stunning views, heavy snow, and temperatures plunging well below zero.
By Tauheed Ahmad
Kashmir, often celebrated as India’s paradise, is caught in the grip of a La Niña-driven winter that paints a picture of contrasts. With snow-clad landscapes and frosty air, the region transforms into a mesmerizing winter wonderland, attracting tourists from far and wide. However, beneath the surface of this beauty lies a harsh reality for locals. The plunging temperatures, frequent snowstorms, and infrastructure struggles create significant hardships for residents, farmers, and healthcare systems. As La Niña intensifies, Kashmir braces for an extreme winter, blending breathtaking allure with unforgiving challenges, demanding resilience and preparation to endure its icy grip.
Kashmir, India’s crown jewel, is all set for a winter. The La Niña phenomenon has already activated early and frequent snow in the region and is set to provide incessant snowfall, below-zero temperatures, and intense weather conditions. Before the onset of Chillai Kalan, the harshest 40-day winter period, the region is already reeling under a severe cold wave. Srinagar recorded its coldest night of the season at -6.2°C, while other areas experienced even harsher conditions, such as Shopian at -10.0°C, Zojila at -24.0°C, and Anantnag at -9.9°C, according to data from Meteorological Department Srinagar. Though this season may look beautiful and attract tourism, the difficulties it presents to the locals, farmers, and infrastructure cannot be neglected.
With November experiencing snowfall events and temperatures staying between 0°C and -5°C, the Valley is already in the grip of a harsh winter. As the La Niña effect strengthens, experts predict a season of extremes, blending beauty and adversity.
La Niña is the cool counterpart of El Niño. It alters the global weather patterns by lowering sea surface temperatures in the Pacific Ocean. The prospects are, therefore, very different for Kashmir, where an extended cold season and frequent snowfalls would prevail and sub-zero temperature will remain there. Director for Jammu and Kashmir region, India Meteorological Department, Dr Mukhtar Ahmed, says: “The indications for an intense winter are prominent. This time around La Niña is going to bring more frequent and heavier snowfall to the Valley.
He explained the significant impact of La Niña on Jammu and Kashmir’s winter weather patterns. “This year, the La Niña phenomenon is influencing the Pacific Ocean, and if we look at the track record, especially over the past 50 years, La Niña has consistently brought above-normal precipitation to the western Himalayan region, including Jammu and Kashmir,” he noted.
He also explained that La Niña typically brings significant decreases in temperatures in the peak winter seasons. “While normally the temperatures in the region go to around minus 5 to minus 6 degrees Celsius during normal winters, the impact of La Niña this time could lead to the drop of temperatures as low as minus 7 to minus 8 degrees Celsius,” Ahmad said.
The effects of La Niña extend beyond Jammu and Kashmir, impacting northern and northeastern states of India with increased rainfall. However, this winter is likely to see fewer foggy days, especially in the northern plains, which could lead to a slight rise in temperatures in those regions.
Ahmad also said dry winters are nothing new for Jammu and Kashmir. “We have seen dry winters before too, including in the years 2018-19 and 2021, and this is also a part of the climate trend for this region,” he added. This time around, though, La Niña is expected to make the winters even chillier and rainier, opposite the dry years.
Historically, above normal precipitation in Kashmir has occurred in La Niña years. It brings boons for winter sports and tourism, but at the same time, it causes disruptions such as disrupted transportation, power outages, and crop damage.
A Global Phenomenon with Local Impacts
Dr. Rasikh Barkat, a geologist and climate expert, elaborated on the wide-ranging effects of La Niña. He said that La Niña is not a phenomenon limited to Kashmir; it has global as well as regional impacts. “Globally, it causes wetter conditions in Southeast Asia, severe droughts in parts of South America, and increased hurricane activity in the Atlantic. In India, it contributes to above-normal rainfall during the monsoon and is often followed by harsher winters,” he explained.
Discussing its specific impact on Jammu and Kashmir, Dr. Barkat said, “La Niña weather patterns could be very different. Sometimes we may have a rather cold, dry spell. Other times, we have an extended wet period, depending on the nature of the western disturbances. There can be moist winds associated with snow and rain, or dry winds leading to a colder but less snowy winter.
He pointed out, illuminating the mechanism: “La Niña begins with cooler-than-average sea surface temperatures in the central and eastern Pacific, which disrupt the global atmospheric circulation. This disruption enhances the westerly winds in our region, bringing more frequent and intense western disturbances. Jammu and Kashmir, being at the confluence of these winds, often bears the brunt of extreme winter conditions.”
Dr. Barkat further explained how La Niña amplifies weather extremes. “During La Niña years, the interaction of western disturbances with the cold air masses descending from the Arctic can create conditions ripe for heavy snowfall. At the same time, if the disturbances lack moisture, it can lead to an unusually dry and harsh winter, as we’ve observed in some previous years.”
He concluded by stressing preparedness for both of these scenarios. “While we hope for sufficient snowfall to support agriculture, tourism, and water resources, the possibility of a dry winter should not be ignored. Awareness and planning are key to mitigating its impact on livelihoods in the region,” Dr. Barkat said.
Infrastructure Struggles Under the Snow
The infrastructure in Kashmir is fragile and breaks under the weight of the harsh winters. Roads, especially the Srinagar-Jammu National Highway, get blocked by landslides and snow accumulation. This cuts off movement of goods, isolates remote communities, and denies access to essential services.
Another recurring problem is electricity outages. Due to increased heating demand and snow-damaged power lines, transformers are overburdened, and residents experience a long time without electricity. In some cases, locals use traditional heating methods that carry safety risks.
According to reports from the Kashmir Power Distribution Corporation Limited (KPDCL), 50 Distribution Transformers (DTs) are damaged daily due to overloading and crude heating gadgets. “Most of the DTs are getting damaged in rural areas where consumers are unmetered,” a senior KPDCL official said, as reported by the local news agency.
In November alone, 1,043 transformers were damaged, of which 1,035 were repaired. The cost of repair is high: each transformer costs between ₹2 to ₹2.5 lakh. Chief Engineer (Distribution), Aaquib Waheed Deva, called upon consumers to time-coordinate their heating load after power curtailments to avoid any further damage.
“Snapping of power within 15 or 20 minutes is mainly because of switching on all heating appliances together,” explained Deva, saying that the judicious use of heating devices would eliminate the unscheduled shutdowns.
Meanwhile, KPDCL officials reassured residents that it keeps a buffer stock of 1,554 transformers for dealing with the current situation and its workshops are actively retrieving damaged units.
Recently, in an interview to a Delhi based news channel, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah announced that the National Conference government will provide 200 units of free electricity to the people of Jammu and Kashmir starting March next year. This fulfills one of the key promises in the party’s election manifesto and aims at easing the financial burden on households. He has asserted that the short-term objective is to give electricity to the people round-the-clock during the winters because, at that time, demand for energy remains highest.
“Next year, free units of electricity will be given to people. During harsh winters our primary objective is to deliver the maximum supply of electricity,” said Abdullah in an interview to a Delhi news channel.
Healthcare facilities also face significant challenges. Remote areas may become inaccessible, leaving residents vulnerable during emergencies. Hospitals in urban centers, already dealing with increased cases of frostbite, and respiratory illnesses, often become overwhelmed.
“The Valley’s winters are beautiful but unforgiving,” said Bashir Ahmad, a resident of Anantnag. “When snow blocks our roads and electricity cuts off, it feels like we are living in a different era. Every year, we hope for better preparedness, but the challenges remain.”
Woman delivers baby on snow-covered road in Machil, Kupwara
In a tragic incident, a woman in north Kashmir’s Machil area, Kupwara, gave birth on a snow-covered road in Chontiwari Payeen after she could not reach the hospital due to uncleared roads following snowfall in the November month of this year.
Locals blamed administrative negligence, alleging that even a few inches of snow made roads non-motorable. “The administration failed to clear just a few inches of snow,” said a resident, accusing authorities of stepmotherly treatment toward remote villages. Videos on social media showed residents’ anger and frustration. “Is there anyone listening? We are being left at God’s mercy,” lamented a local news agaency.
Muhammad Jamaal Lone, a local resident, said that there was no proper health facility. “We have a health center, but there are no doctors. We struggled for hours to save the mother and child.
“This is not the first time such an incident has occurred,” lamented a Shahid, a local resident from Kupwara. “Every winter, we face the same problems—roads getting blocked, medical assistance taking a very long time, and nothing for emergency services. It’s such a tragedy that lives could be lost for such unnecessary reasons.”
Since then, the administration has promised to improve its snow-clearing operations, but this incident has once again put the spotlight on the critical need for accessible healthcare, particularly in remote areas during winter.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD), which closely monitors global weather patterns, continues to provide timely updates and advisories. In a written reply to Parliament, Dr. Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State for Science & Technology, emphasized, “We are doing everything to ensure that the impact of this winter is minimized. From agriculture advisories to emergency services, our goal is to keep residents safe and informed.”
For farmers, snowfall is a two-edged sword. Moisture benefits the soil, but extended cold spells and excessive precipitation delay planting cycles and damage crops. The IMD has issued advisories encouraging farmers to adopt resilient crops and modern irrigation techniques to mitigate the impact.
“Winter is always tough for us,” said Ghulam Nabi, a farmer from Anantnag. “We pray for manageable snowfall—not too little, not too much. Otherwise, we risk losing everything.”
As Kashmir prepares for the full brunt of La Niña, preparation is key. Authorities have increased snow-clearing efforts, stocked medical supplies, and issued weather advisories. Residents stock essentials, urged by authorities to stay informed, and avoid unnecessary travel during severe weather.
The season of snow is synonymous with excitement and anticipation in Kashmir. However, this year, early snowfall has brought a mixed bag of fortunes for the Valley. While areas like Gulmarg and Sonamarg are buzzing with winter tourism activities, others are grappling with concerns over inconsistent snowfall.
Srinagar, the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir, experienced its coldest night of the season on December 20th, as temperatures plunged to -6.2°C, just a day before the onset of Chilai Kalan, intensifying the chill across the Kashmir Valley. According to data obtained by JKNS, other notable lows included Pahalgam at -8.2°C, Qazigund at -7.6°C, and Gulmarg at -6.0°C. Shopian reported the lowest at -10.0°C, while Zojila recorded an extreme -24.0°C.
In Jammu, temperatures were relatively milder, with Jammu city at 6.9°C and Katra at 6.0°C. Banihal recorded a chilly -3.8°C, and Padder in Kishtwar plunged to -8.5°C. Similarly, Ladakh faced biting cold, with Leh at -11.8°C and Kargil at -13.8°C. Residents across these regions are bracing for even colder nights ahead.
The early spells of November snow have sparked excitement among tourists and locals alike. Places like Gulmarg, Pahalgam, and Sonamarg have seen an increase in activities as tourists indulge in winter sports like skiing, snowboarding, and other seasonal fun.
This winter is promising,” said Shahid Ahmad, a tour operator in Gulmarg. “After years of erratic snowfall, we finally have the perfect conditions for winter sports. Bookings are pouring in, and preparations are in full swing.”
Not everyone in the tourism sector shares the same optimism, however. Farhat Naik, a snowboarding instructor, expressed concern over the unpredictability of snowfall.
Like last year, skiers from all corners of the world are holding out for the snow to settle,” he said. “Last winter, the snow fell at the eleventh hour, and this year so far, it’s pretty cold but does not feel very heavy. Many clients have opted to delay their trips to wait for better conditions,
Adding to these concerns, Gulmarg ski guide Waseem Ahmad said the meager snowfall has posed problems. “So far, the snowfall has been negligible,” he said. “Without sufficient snow, there’s a risk for both skiers and their equipment. Currently, bookings are slow, and we hope for heavy snow soon to ensure safe and enjoyable conditions for everyone.”
As the Valley braces for the full impact of La Niña, residents and businesses alike hope that an abundant snowfall season can turn these early concerns into an opportunity to showcase Kashmir’s winter wonderland to the world.
With the tourist inflow, authorities are optimistic about the economic boost that tourism will bring to the region. Improved infrastructure, better facilities, and promotional events are being planned to accommodate the influx of visitors.
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