Srinagar, the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir, has recorded its coldest night of the ongoing winter season, with temperatures dropping to a bone-chilling minus 6.0 degrees Celsius on Thursday night, January 8, 2026. This significant dip in temperature, which is 4.1 degrees below the seasonal normal, has resulted in widespread freezing across the Kashmir Valley. Parts of the iconic Dal Lake, along with other shallow water bodies and even water taps and puddles, have frozen over due to the intense cold. The region is currently under the grip of 'Chillai Kalan', the harshest 40-day winter period that commenced on December 21 and is expected to conclude on January 30. This critical period is vital for replenishing the perennial water reservoirs in the mountains, which are crucial for agriculture, horticulture, and drinking water needs. However, the Kashmir plains have been experiencing a prolonged dry spell, with no significant snowfall reported so far this season. The Meteorological Department has forecasted a continuation of generally cold and dry weather until January 20, with only a minimal chance of isolated rain or snow in the higher reaches. This extended dry spell is raising concerns among locals and officials alike regarding its potential impact on water resources and the overall ecosystem. Such severe cold conditions have also led to an increased rush of patients to pulmonologists and cardiologists, as chest and heart-related ailments are on the rise, prompting doctors to advise vulnerable individuals to take extra precautions and avoid venturing out.