Srinagar, November 27, 2025 — Kashmir slipped deeper into winter’s grip on Wednesday as Srinagar recorded its coldest night of the season at –4.4°C, signalling the early intensification of the Valley’s annual cold wave.
The sharp dip in temperature led to frost blanketing rooftops, paddy fields, vehicles and footpaths across the city. In several neighbourhoods, residents woke up to frozen water taps and thin sheets of ice forming over still water bodies — a familiar yet challenging winter reality in the region.
Weather officials said the fall in mercury was driven by clear night skies and dry atmospheric conditions that allowed heat to escape rapidly after sunset. They added that the cold wave is expected to continue, with night temperatures likely to dip further as Kashmir approaches the traditional “Chillai-Kalan” period next month.
Reports from south and north Kashmir also indicate widespread sub-zero temperatures, with upper reaches and high-altitude settlements experiencing even harsher conditions.
Local authorities have urged residents to take precautions, especially the elderly and young children, as extreme cold can aggravate health issues and disrupt routine life. Households have begun insulating water pipes, stocking firewood and adjusting heating arrangements in preparation for the harsher weeks ahead.
Despite the discomfort, the freezing spell has also added a touch of winter charm, with early morning mist and frost lending Srinagar and its surroundings a serene, icy glow — a prelude to the Valley’s peak winter season.
