Parts of Dal Lake Freeze Amid Severe Cold in Kashmir Valley

Parts of Dal Lake and several water bodies in Kashmir froze as the region experienced severe cold during 'Chilla-i-Kalan,' a 40-day period of extreme cold from December 21 to January 30. Srinagar recorded a low of minus 5.2°C, with Shopian being the coldest at minus 7.5°C. Other areas like Pahalgam, Gulmarg, Sonamarg, Qazigund, Kokernag, and Kupwara also saw sub-zero temperatures. The India Meteorological Department noted a western disturbance expected to affect the Valley from January 16.