Srinagar and other parts of the Kashmir Valley are experiencing an intense cold wave, with minimum temperatures plummeting to record lows.
Daily life has been severely disrupted as freezing conditions have frozen water taps and pipelines, causing widespread water shortages.
Adding to the hardship, frequent power cuts have left residents struggling to cope with the harsh winter.
According to data compiled by Kashmir Weather, Srinagar recorded a minimum temperature of -7.0°C, while Pulwama, Shopian, and Anantnag reported the coldest temperatures at -9.3°C.
Pahalgam also witnessed bone-chilling cold at -8.6°C, with Bandipora recording -7.3°C and Baramulla -6.1°C. The coldest spot was Zojila, plunging to an extreme -25.0°C.
Manan Khan, a resident of Lal Bazar, shared his frustration: “The taps in our house have been frozen, making it difficult to manage even basic chores. This winter feels harsher than usual, and we are struggling with water scarcity and power cuts that make it even worse.”
Reports from other districts, including Budgam (-7.7°C), Khudwani (-8.0°C), and Larnoo (-8.9°C), also highlight the freezing temperatures, disrupted water supplies, and frequent electricity outages, leaving households in the dark and without heating for extended periods.
Meanwhile, weather experts have issued a cold wave alert for Jammu Kashmir, warning of severe conditions over the next three days.
Nighttime temperatures are expected to remain 4 to 8°C below the seasonal average, with no immediate respite in sight.
Independent forecaster Faizan Arif noted the possibility of low-level clouds forming during the morning hours, particularly in the plains of Kashmir, which could persist until the afternoon.
Residents have urged authorities to address the challenges posed by frozen water supplies and electricity woes, as the harsh winter continues to grip the valley.