Kashmir has officially stepped into the harsh phase of its winter, as temperatures across the valley continue to plunge well below freezing. After more than a week of biting cold, fog-filled mornings, and sub-zero nights, the Jammu & Kashmir School Education Department has announced winter vacations for all schools — starting earliest for the youngest learners.
The decision comes as Srinagar recorded a bone-chilling –3.1°C, one of the coldest November nights this year. Other regions, including Pahalgam, Konibal, Kupwara, and Banihal, showed similar drops, turning the valley into an icy landscape much earlier than expected.
Winter Vacations Announced in Stages
To ensure the safety and well-being of students of Kashmir, the department has followed a staggered closure pattern:
⭐ Pre-Primary (Kindergarten):
- Vacation Start: November 26, 2025
- Duration: Till February 28, 2026
These young students are the most vulnerable to harsh weather, prompting the earliest closure.
⭐ Classes 1 to 8:
- Vacation Start: December 1, 2025
⭐ Classes 9 to 12:
- Vacation Start: December 11, 2025
Senior students get additional days for academics before the long break.
Even during vacations, teachers have been asked to remain available for academic tasks, ensuring continuity via assignments, online updates, and exam-related support.
A Valley Wrapped in Cold and Silence
The mornings in Kashmir have become a picture of winter poetry — thick fog blanketing Dal Lake, silhouettes of boatmen rowing through mist, and the distinctive call of Eurasian coots gliding over icy waters.
But behind this beauty lies unforgiving cold of Kashmir.
- Konibal: –4.5°C
- Pahalgam: –4.4°C
- Kupwara: –3.4°C
- Banihal (Jammu Division): –0.5°C
- Srinagar: –3.1°C
While Jammu city remained comparatively warmer at 9.8°C, the cold wave has largely gripped the northern belt.
The meteorological department further noted that the valley woke up to dense fog, reducing visibility and adding to the discomfort of daily commuters and schoolchildren.
Why the Early Chill?
Kashmir’s winters are known for severity, but such early and consistent sub-zero temperatures point toward increasing climatic fluctuation.
With dry weather forecasted for the next few days, the cold spell is expected to sustain, while light snowfall over the mountains may arrive by December 2, offering the first glimpse of winter aesthetics.
Impact on Daily Life and Students of Kashmir.
The sudden dip in temperatures has forced:
1. Heaters & Kangris Back in Demand
Local markets have seen a surge in purchases of traditional kangris (fire pots), warm clothing, and heating appliances.
2. Transportation Disruptions
Fog-induced low visibility in the early hours makes school travel challenging and unsafe for younger children.
3. Health Concerns
Prolonged exposure to cold can lead to:
- Respiratory infections
- Frostbite risks
- Worsening asthma or bronchial conditions
4. Academic Adjustments
Teachers will carry on academic planning virtually or through school portals, ensuring syllabus coverage before board exams.
Human Angle: The Valley’s Resilience
Despite intense cold, life in Kashmir adapts with an unmatched sense of resilience.
On Dal Lake, boatmen continue their early-morning routines. Children wrapped in layers of pherans (traditional long cloaks) play in the lanes. And local tea stalls warm up the mornings with Kehwa, offering comfort against the harsh weather.
The sight of migratory birds like the Eurasian coots, peacefully swimming across the freezing lake, adds a serene charm to the otherwise biting climate. This harmony — of nature enduring the cold and humans adjusting to it — defines the heart of Kashmir’s winter narrative.
What’s Next? Weather Outlook
The MeT Department predicts:
- Mostly dry weather in coming days
- Fog to continue in the mornings
- Light snowfall expected on December 2 over higher reaches
With snow on the horizon, temperatures may dip even lower, and more restrictions or holiday extensions cannot be ruled out.
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