“Kashmir Faces Severe Cold as Parts of Dal Lake Freeze Over”
Sub-Zero Temperatures Grip Valley During ‘Chilla-i-Kalan’, With Pahalgam, Shopian and Srinagar Among Coldest Areas
Srinagar, Jan 14: Parts of the famous Dal Lake and several water bodies across Kashmir froze on Wednesday as sub-zero temperatures plunged further across the Valley.
The region is currently experiencing ‘Chilla-i-Kalan’, a 40-day period of extreme cold that began on December 21 and will last until January 30, traditionally marking the peak of winter and the highest likelihood of snowfall.
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Srinagar recorded a low of minus 5.2°C on Tuesday night, down from minus 4.9°C the previous night. Shopian in south Kashmir was the coldest place, with temperatures dropping to minus 7.5°C.
The interiors of Dal Lake and several other water bodies froze due to the intense cold. Popular tourist destinations also recorded biting temperatures: Pahalgam hit minus 6°C, Gulmarg in north Kashmir’s Baramulla district recorded minus 3.8°C, and Sonamarg in central Kashmir fell to minus 2.2°C.
Other cold spots included Qazigund (minus 5.3°C), Kokernag (minus 2.3°C), and Kupwara (minus 6.2°C).
The IMD has also issued a forecast that a western disturbance is approaching Kashmir, likely to influence weather conditions in the Valley from January 16, potentially bringing snowfall and further drops in temperature.
