Parts of the famous Dal Lake in Srinagar and several water bodies in Kashmir froze on Wednesday (January 14, 2026). The Kashmir Valley faced deeper sub-zero night temperatures. This happened during ‘Chilla-i-Kalan’, a 40-day cold spell with high chances of snowfall. It started on December 21 and will continue till January 30. Srinagar recorded a low of minus 5.2°C on Tuesday night, slipping from minus 4.9°C the night before, said weather officials. Shopian was the coldest spot with mercury at minus 7.5°C. Parts of the interiors of Dal Lake froze due to the severe cold. Pahalgam, a popular tourist destination and base for the Amarnath yatra, recorded minus 6°C. Gulmarg in north Kashmir saw minus 3.8°C, Sonamarg in central Kashmir minus 2.2°C, while Qazigund dropped to minus 5.3°C. Kokernag stood at minus 2.3°C and Kupwara at minus 6.2°C. The India Meteorological Department said a western disturbance is approaching Kashmir and will affect the weather from January 16, possibly bringing changes to the cold spell.