Kashmir shivered under biting cold on the night of January 28-29, 2026, with temperatures dropping well below freezing across the region. Officials said many places experienced severe cold, but Srinagar had a slightly warmer night at minus 0.6 degrees Celsius, which is 0.3 degrees above the seasonal average. Sonamarg in central Kashmir's Ganderbal district was the coldest spot, plunging to minus 11.2 degrees Celsius, colder than the previous night's minus 9.8 degrees. The popular ski resort, Gulmarg, recorded minus 9 degrees, while Pahalgam saw temperatures drop to minus 4.5 degrees Celsius. Gateway town Qazigund held steady at zero degrees, Kokernag at minus 0.6, and Kupwara at minus 3.5 degrees Celsius. The region is nearing the end of 'Chilla-i-Kalan', a harsh 40-day cold period starting December 21, marked by intense chill and higher snowfall chances, ending January 30. After Chilla-i-Kalan, colder phases 'Chillai Khurd' and 'Chillai Bachha' follow, lasting 20 and 10 days respectively. The Meteorological Department forecasts dry but cloudy weather till January 31. A fresh western disturbance may hit on February 1, possibly bringing rain or snow. Residents remain on alert as winter's grip holds firm.