Kashmir Shivers: Severe Cold Wave Grips Valley, Temperatures Plunge to -25°C in Dras

A severe cold wave has gripped Kashmir, with temperatures dropping significantly across the region. This special report details how the South Kashmir town recorded a minimum temperature of -6.2 degrees, marking one of the coldest nights of the season. The extreme cold has caused parts of the famous Dal Lake in Srinagar to freeze. Tourist destinations like Gulmarg and Pahalgam saw temperatures drop to nearly -10 degrees, while Dras recorded a freezing -25 degrees. According to the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), these harsh conditions are expected to 'persist till the 20th of January'. A new western disturbance is anticipated after January 13th, which may bring the first snowfall of the season to the plains, offering some hope to local farmers for its benefits to fruit trees and water resources.