The summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir, Srinagar, is currently experiencing one of its harshest cold spells, with the minimum temperature plummeting to a bone-chilling minus 6 degrees Celsius. The intense cold wave has brought life to a standstill in the valley, transforming the iconic landscape into a frozen expanse. Parts of the world-famous Dal Lake have begun to freeze over, creating a surreal but difficult situation for the locals and Shikara owners.

The extreme sub-zero temperatures have severely crippled essential services across Srinagar. Residents have reported that water inside supply pipes has frozen solid, leading to widespread water shortages and, in many cases, pipe bursts. Frequent power outages have further exacerbated the misery of the people, who are struggling to keep themselves warm in the absence of consistent heating. Visibility has also dropped significantly due to dense morning fog, leading to delays in flight operations and highway traffic.

Tourism, the mainstay of the local economy, is facing a major setback due to the inclement weather. While snow attracts visitors, the sheer intensity of this cold wave has made stay conditions difficult. Tour operators noted that many travelers are cutting their trips short or canceling bookings due to the disrupted commute and freezing hotel rooms. Local authorities have issued an advisory for tourists to carry heavy woolens and remain prepared for sudden changes in weather as the meteorological department predicts the cold wave to persist for at least another week.