Produced by: Mohsin Shaikh
Dal Lake’s surface froze under a bone-chilling -7°C as an intense cold wave gripped Srinagar, marking one of the coldest nights in decades.
Residents marveled at the icy transformation of Dal Lake while bracing for severe cold and possible snowfall predicted by the IMD.
Locals gathered around bonfires, wrapped in heavy woolens, fighting to stay warm as the valley witnessed extreme winter conditions.
December’s freezing temperatures marked Srinagar’s coldest in 50 years, as noted by Chillai Kalan, the harshest 40 days of winter.
Meteorologists forecast a high likelihood of snowfall in the region, adding a snowy blanket to the already frosty landscape.
Amid the severe cold, power outages added to the challenges, prompting Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to oversee electricity and water supply issues.
Despite the freeze, Kashmiris showcased resilience, adapting to the biting cold with age-old traditions and community warmth.
The icy allure of Dal Lake turned it into a tourist hotspot, drawing visitors eager to witness this rare winter phenomenon.
The frozen Dal Lake serves as a stark reminder of the region’s harsh winters and the challenges posed by extreme weather.