Dal Lake Freezes as Kashmir Reels Under Sub-Zero Temperatures
Dal Lake Freezes as Kashmir Reels Under Sub-Zero Temperatures
Sub-zero temperatures grip Kashmir as Dal Lake interiors freeze and the region braces for continued extreme cold during the 40-day winter spell.
Parts of Dal Lake and several water bodies in Kashmir froze on Wednesday as sub-zero temperatures spread across the Valley. Interiors of the Dal Lake froze due to the cold spell, with observers noting how ice formed along sheltered channels. The current chill comes during the ongoing 40-day period known as Chilla-i-Kalan, which runs from December 21 to January 30 and brings heightened chances of snowfall.
Srinagar logged minus 5.2°C on Tuesday night, while Shopian in south Kashmir recorded minus 7.5°C, the coldest point in the Valley. Pahalgam, a popular tourist site and Amarnath yatra base camp, dipped to minus 6°C. Gulmarg in north Kashmir fell to minus 3.8°C and Sonamarg registered minus 2.2°C. Qazigund posted minus 5.3°C, with Kokernag at minus 2.3°C and Kupwara at minus 6.2°C. The India Meteorological Department noted that a western disturbance is likely to affect the Valley from January 16, potentially bringing snowfall.
The cold spell, part of a regular winter pattern for the region, continues to impact daily life and travel, especially for those heading to winter tourism spots and religious base camps. Locals and visitors alike are adapting to the chill as weather systems move through the area.
