The Kashmir Valley is facing an intensifying cold wave as temperatures continue to fall sharply across the region. Srinagar, the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir, recorded the coldest night of the season with the mercury dipping to minus 4 degrees Celsius. The sharp decline in night temperature marks a significant increase in winter severity and has brought biting cold conditions to daily life across the valley.
Several other parts of Kashmir also experienced sub-zero temperatures. Tourist destinations such as Gulmarg, Pahalgam, and Sonamarg reported even lower minimum temperatures, with some areas witnessing severe frost on roads, rooftops, and vegetation. The prolonged cold spell is a result of clear night skies and dry weather conditions, which allow rapid heat loss after sunset.
Visuals from Srinagar’s Lal Chowk area showed deserted roads during late-night hours, with most shops closed and only limited vehicular movement. Frost could be seen on parked vehicles and roadside surfaces, reflecting the intensity of the cold. Locals have increased the use of traditional heating systems such as bukharis and electric heaters to cope with the freezing temperatures.
The India Meteorological Department has stated that cold wave conditions are likely to persist over the next several days. While daytime temperatures have remained slightly higher due to intermittent sunshine, nights are expected to remain extremely cold. Higher reaches of the valley have also received fresh snowfall in recent days, adding to the winter chill in the plains.
The drop in temperature has impacted water supply in several localities as pipelines have frozen overnight. Residents in some areas reported difficulty in accessing drinking water during early morning hours. The Health Department has issued advisories urging people to avoid prolonged exposure to cold, wear adequate warm clothing, and take special care of the elderly, children, and those suffering from respiratory illnesses.
Cold wave conditions are a regular winter feature in Kashmir during the Chillai Kalan period, the harshest phase of winter which lasts for 40 days. During this time, temperatures often remain below freezing, and snowfall is frequent. The current cold spell indicates the early strengthening of winter patterns in the region.
Despite the harsh weather, daily life is continuing with necessary adjustments. Schools are functioning with revised schedules in some districts, and transport services are operating with caution during early morning and late-night hours due to icy roads. Tourism authorities are also monitoring the situation as winter tourism activities increase in popular hill destinations.
Authorities have assured that necessary arrangements are in place to handle any weather-related emergencies. Power supply, healthcare services, and snow clearance preparedness are being closely monitored to minimize inconvenience to the public as Kashmir braces for a prolonged winter ahead.
