Kashmir is currently experiencing a severe cold wave, with temperatures plummeting several degrees below freezing point, marking a deeper slip into winter. The region is in the midst of 'Chillai Kalan,' the 40-day harshest winter period that commenced on December 21, 2025, and is expected to conclude on January 30, 2026. This period is typically associated with heavy snowfall, but this season has seen largely dry weather in the plains, intensifying the biting cold and causing concerns among residents and farmers. Various parts of the Kashmir Valley are reporting extreme cold. Shopian emerged as one of the coldest places, recording a minimum temperature of minus 8.6 degrees Celsius on January 11, which later marginally improved to around minus 5.2 degrees Celsius. Pulwama has also been consistently among the coldest, with temperatures recorded at minus 6.5 degrees Celsius on January 12-13, dropping to minus 7.7 degrees Celsius earlier. Srinagar, the summer capital, has witnessed minimum temperatures ranging between minus 2.4 and minus 5.7 degrees Celsius. Tourist destinations like Gulmarg and Pahalgam are also reeling under sub-zero conditions, attracting visitors despite the chill. The persistent sub-zero temperatures have led to the freezing of several water bodies, including parts of the iconic Dal Lake in Srinagar. Interestingly, the freezing of natural attractions such as the Drung waterfall near Gulmarg has become a significant draw for tourists, turning it into a popular photo opportunity. While day temperatures have shown some variation, the night chill remains intense, disrupting daily life and affecting local businesses. The India Meteorological Department forecasts mainly dry and partly cloudy weather until January 15, with light to moderate rain or snowfall anticipated in higher reaches between January 16-17, and more widespread snow expected between January 20-22.