SRINAGAR/JAMMU/LADAKH – JANUARY 24, 2026:- A powerful Western Disturbance has swept across the region, bringing an end to a prolonged dry spell but triggering widespread logistical chaos.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued reports confirming heavy snowfall across the Kashmir Valley and intense rainfall throughout the Jammu division, resulting in the closure of the strategic Jammu-Srinagar National Highway and the suspension of flight operations at Srinagar Airport.
Regional Breakdown Kashmir Division :- The Kashmir Valley is currently under a thick blanket of white, with higher reaches bearing the brunt of the storm. According to official IMD data, Gulmarg recorded a staggering 50.8 cm of snow depth, followed closely by Kukernag at 47.0 cm and Pahalgam at 46.2 cm.
The capital city, Srinagar, recorded its first significant snowfall of the season with a depth of 2.0 cm, accompanied by 16.4 mm of precipitation.
Other significant accumulations include Qazigund with 10.0 cm and Kupwara with 8.0 cm of snow.
Temperatures have plummeted across the division; Gulmarg shivered at a minimum of -12.0°C, which is 3.6°C below the seasonal normal, while Srinagar recorded a minimum of -1.4°C.
Regional Breakdown Jammu Division:-The Jammu division witnessed intense rain and isolated snowfall in its higher altitudes, such as the Trikuta Hills.
Batote emerged as the wettest station in the region, recording a massive 116.8 mm of rainfall in the last 24 hours, alongside a snow depth of 43.3 cm.
Significant rainfall was also recorded in Bhadarwah (75.4 mm), Kathua (41.8 mm), and Katra (39.8 mm). The inclement weather forced a temporary suspension of the pilgrimage to the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi shrine.
In terms of temperature, Jammu city recorded a maximum of 11.5°C, a sharp departure of 6.5°C below normal, while the minimum temperature settled at 4.5°C.
Regional Breakdown Ladakh and Higher Altitudes :-In the Union Territory of Ladakh, the weather remains bone-chillingly cold with intermittent snow showers.
While the primary IMD chart focuses on J&K stations, supplementary data indicates that Leh is experiencing sub-zero daytime temperatures, with minimums hovering around -13°F (-25°C) in some pockets.
The heavy snowfall in the Drass and Kargil sectors has further restricted movement on internal passes.
Other stations like Sonamarg recorded extreme lows reaching -10.5°C, and Udhampur saw a heavy downpour of 68.8 mm of rain.Official Weather Statistics (24-Hour Observation)
The following data summarizes the key weather parameters across the state as reported by the Meteorological Centre, Rambagh, Srinagar: Highest Rainfall: Batote (116.8 mm) followed by Bhadarwah (75.4 mm).
Maximum Snow Depth: Gulmarg (50.8 cm) and Kukernag (47.0 cm).
Lowest Minimum Temp: Gulmarg (-12.0°C) and Sonamarg (-10.5°C).
Humidity Levels: Reached 100% in several locations including Pahalgam, Gulmarg, and Katra.
Srinagar Solar Data: Sunset on 24-01-2026 is at 17:53, with Sunrise on 25-01-2026 expected at 07:33.
Authorities have advised residents and travelers to avoid the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway until the road is cleared of landslides and snow.
While the current system is expected to weaken slightly over the next 48 hours, a fresh Western Disturbance is predicted to affect the region starting January 26 night.
