Srinagar: A thick layer of ice has spread across the inner stretches of Dal Lake as severe cold sweeps Kashmir, with sub-zero temperatures freezing large
portions of water bodies across the region. Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh continued to reel under an intense cold wave as temperatures plunged further during the ongoing Chillai Kalan, the harshest winter period in the Valley.
The extreme cold pushed Srinagar to record its coldest night of the season at minus 6°C, while Shopian emerged as the coldest location in Kashmir at minus 7.7°C, according to IANS. Sub-zero temperatures were recorded across almost all districts of the Valley, disrupting daily life as water bodies froze and residents braced for prolonged cold conditions.
Dal Lake freezes partially
Chillai Kalan, which lasts for 40 days from December 21 to January 31, is traditionally the most severe phase of winter in Kashmir. The period is marked by freezing temperatures, snowfall and icy conditions. While the snowfall during this phase is crucial for replenishing water resources, it often results in frozen pipes, road closures and transportation challenges. The harsh spell is followed by relatively milder phases known as Chillai Khurd (small cold) and Chillai Bacha (baby cold).
Tourists visiting the region are also witnessing the extreme weather firsthand. Ankur Soni, a tourist in Srinagar, said he saw Dal Lake frozen for the first time. “It is very cold here. I have seen frozen Dal Lake for the first time… People should visit here,” he told ANI.
#WATCH | Srinagar, J&K: As temperature drops, cold wave continues to grip the Kashmir valley.
(Visuals from Dal Lake)
A tourist, Ankur Soni, says, “It is very cold here. I have seen frozen Dal Lake for the first time… People should visit here…” pic.twitter.com/xR6rBrka7q
— ANI (@ANI) January 9, 2026
Kashmir and Ladakh weather
Minimum temperatures across Kashmir and Ladakh remained below freezing today.
Kashmir Region
Srinagar: -6.0°C
Qazigund: -6.2°C
Pahalgam: -7.6°C
Kupwara: -5.8°C
Kokernag: -3.2°C
Gulmarg: -7.2°C
Pampore: -5.5°C
Srinagar Airport: -7.4°C
Awantipora: -6.0°C
Budgam: -5.9°C
Anantnag: -7.1°C
Baramulla: -5.7°C
Bandipora: -5.2°C
Pulwama: -7.5°C
Shopian: -7.7°C
Kulgam: -3.5°C
Ganderbal: -5.1°C
Sonamarg: -5.4°C
Zethan Rafiabad: -7.2°C
Sopore: -6.8°C
Ladakh
Leh: -14.4°C
Hanle: -16.2°C
Kargil: -13.2°C
Nubra Valley: -14.2°C
Drass: -24.6°C
Padum: -20.3°C
Nyoma: -21.6°C
Stakna: -13.6°C
Tangste: -17.8°C
Khaltse: -10.6°C
Upshi: -16.4°C
