TDD Correspondent
Srinagar, (TDD): The Kashmir is bracing for a frosty winter as temperatures continue to dip across the region. Srinagar shivered at a biting low of -2.1°C, (night temperature)
signaling the arrival of harsher days ahead.
However, it was the southern district of Shopian that claimed the coldest spot in the valley, recording a bone-chilling -5.5°C—a stark reminder of the unforgiving winter season that lies ahead.
This dramatic drop in temperatures serve as a harbinger of Chillai Kalan, the 40-day peak winter period starting December 21. This phase is synonymous with severe cold, heavy snowfall, and the freezing of water bodies, including parts of Srinagar’s iconic Dal Lake. Life slows down during this time as icy winds sweep across the valley, challenging daily routines and infrastructural resilience.
Qazigund recorded -3.0°C, Pahalgam plummeted to -5.0°C,Kupwara stood at -3.0°C andGulmarg, a popular winter destination, settled at -2.5°C.
The relentless chill extended to Anantnag (-5.1°C), Pulwama (-4.8°C), and Kulgam (-4.0°C), while Shopian (-5.5°C) reinforced its reputation as a freezing hotspot.
Meanwhile, in the higher reaches of Ladakh, temperatures hit new lows with Drass—the coldest inhabited place in India—recording a staggering -12.2°C, followed by Leh (-8.8°C) and Kargil (-8.3°C).
The cold wave has brought picturesque snow-covered landscapes to the region, drawing visitors to winter paradises like Gulmarg and Pahalgam. However, these conditions also bring challenges: frozen water pipes, icy roads, and power outages become a daily struggle for locals. Authorities and residents are gearing up for the impending hardships, particularly in remote and snow-prone areas like Shopian and Pulwama.
In the Jammu region, temperatures remained significantly warmer, with Jammu city recording 10.1°C, while higher-altitude areas like Bhaderwah dropped to 1.2°C.
As the valley transitions into winter’s full fury, the biting cold and breathtaking beauty combine to define Kashmir’s unique charm. With Chillai Kalan just weeks away, the valley readies itself for the frosty yet enchanting spectacle of its harshest season. (TDD)
