The Dal Lake’s surface froze on Monday as an intense cold wave swept through the Kashmir Valley. According to the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), Srinagar recorded a minimum temperature of -7 degrees Celsius, with the maximum reaching 7 degrees Celsius.

Visuals depicted residents gathered around bonfires and dressed in warm clothing to shield themselves from the harsh winter conditions.

“The weather is extremely cold; our hands are freezing, and Dal Lake has frozen. This is the first time the city has experienced such temperatures,” a local resident told ANI.

Another resident mentioned the possibility of snowfall due to the plummeting temperatures, stating, “There’s a high chance of snowfall here. It’s very cold, and people should take all necessary precautions.”

The IMD has forecasted a severe cold wave across Jammu and Kashmir starting December 24.

On December 22, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah canceled his scheduled programs in Jammu to focus on overseeing essential services amid the extreme cold spell.

“In light of the severe cold wave in the Kashmir Valley and the resulting issues with water and electricity supply, I’ve decided to cancel my upcoming programs in Jammu and remain in Srinagar for the next week to personally monitor the functioning of the power and other critical departments,” Abdullah posted on X while traveling to Srinagar from Jaisalmer, Rajasthan.

He expressed his commitment to compensating the individuals and organizations impacted by the cancellation of his visit to Jammu.