Temperatures dropped significantly in Srinagar, with the mercury touching -2.1 °C (night temperature) signaling the onset of severe winter conditions.
The overnight chill intensified across the region with Shopian district in the south emerging as the coldest spot, registering a bone-chilling low of -5.5 degrees Celsius.
This drop in temperature is the prelude to Chillai Kalan, the 40-day harshest winter period in Kashmir that usually begins on December 21.
During this phase, the region experiences intense cold, frequent snowfall and stagnant water bodies, including parts of Srinagar’s famous Dal Lake.
These cold conditions often disrupt daily life. Such temperature changes highlight the valley’s severe weather conditions, where nights freeze and daytime temperatures in many areas struggle to rise above freezing.
Residents and authorities come to further drop in temperature and the challenges they bring, especially in remote and high-altitude areas like Shopian.