Kashmir is experiencing a deep cold wave with minimum temperatures well below freezing, officials reported on January 11, 2026. The sub-zero chill and clear skies have frozen parts of Dal Lake and other water bodies. Srinagar's temperature dropped to -5.2°C on the night of January 10, slightly warmer than the previous -5.7°C. The coldest night this season in Srinagar was on January 8, with -6°C. South Kashmir's Shopian town was the chilliest spot at -8.6°C. Pahalgam, a tourist hub and base for the Amarnath yatra, recorded -7.6°C. The ski resort of Gulmarg hit -6.2°C, marginally higher than the prior -6.8°C. Sonamarg saw a minimum of 4.3°C, while Qazigund recorded the season’s coldest at -5.8°C. Kokernag and Kupwara noted lows of -3.4°C and -5.6°C respectively. This cold spell occurs during 'Chilla-i-Kalan,' a 40-day period of intense cold in Kashmir starting December 21 and ending January 30. Night temperatures frequently dip below freezing and snowfall chances peak during this time. However, the valley's plains have yet to see snowfall this season. The India Meteorological Department forecasts dry but cloudy weather till January 21. The deep freeze continues to grip Kashmir as 'Chilla-i-Kalan' reaches its peak.