Dal Lake freezes as Srinagar temperature drops to -7°C
Dal Lake freezes as Srinagar temperature drops to -7°C
The freezing temperatures have created a stunning, surreal landscape, with parts of the lake’s surface covered by a fragile layer of ice.
The iconic Dal Lake in Srinagar has partially frozen as the mercury plummeted to an icy -7°C, marking one of the coldest nights of the season in the Kashmir Valley.
The drop in temperature is part of the region’s “Chillai Kalan,” the harshest 40-day winter period that began on December 21. This phase is known for severe cold, frequent snowfall, and icy winds, drastically affecting life in the valley. The frozen Dal Lake has drawn locals and tourists alike, with many stepping out early to capture images of the frozen expanse.
Authorities, however, have urged caution, warning against walking on the frozen surface.
The IMD has forecast a harsh cold wave in Jammu and Kashmir starting December 24.
On December 22, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah canceled his planned events in Jammu to monitor the operations of the power and other departments due to the intense cold conditions affecting the state.
The freezing of Dal Lake has impacted daily activities, particularly for those dependent on it for their livelihood. Shikara rides, a key attraction for visitors, have slowed down, and fishing activities have been temporarily halted. Residents living around the lake have also faced challenges with water supply, as pipelines freeze due to the extreme temperatures.
#WATCH | Srinagar, J&K | The surface of Dal Lake freezes as intensifying coldwave grips Kashmir Valley. As per the IMD, the maximum temperature is -7°C and the minimum is -7°C.
— ANI (@ANI) December 23, 2024
People sit by a bonfire to keep themselves warm pic.twitter.com/yqaU187qiU
Tourists visiting Srinagar have been mesmerized by the rare spectacle. “The weather has become very cold.. our hands have started freezing and the Dal Lake has frozen. This is the first time the city has experienced such a temperature,” says a resident.
Meteorological officials have predicted that the cold wave will persist, with more sub-zero temperatures expected in the coming days. Locals have been advised to take precautions against frostbite and hypothermia as they brace for the peak of winter.
VIDEO | Harshest winter period in Kashmir 'Chillai Kalan' started two days back, and with that the iconic, and picturesque Dal Lake in Srinagar has started to freeze. Shikara operators were seen breaking the ice sheets formed on the surface of lake through their paddle in order… pic.twitter.com/r08hSlSfmp
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) December 23, 2024
The frozen Dal Lake is a testament to the harsh yet breathtaking beauty of Kashmir’s winters, drawing admiration and caution in equal measure.
Chillai Kalan, the 40-day stretch of the most severe winter, began in Kashmir on Saturday, with Srinagar enduring its coldest December night in 50 years, registering a temperature of minus 8.5 degrees Celsius, as reported by the meteorological department. This marks the coldest December night for Srinagar since 1974 when temperatures dropped to minus 10.3 degrees Celsius, and it stands as the third coldest December night recorded since 1891.
