A thin layer of ice formed on the surface of the Dal Lake and other water bodies in Kashmir as cold wave-like conditions gripped the region, officials said on January 6. The minimum temperature in several parts of the valley dropped below the minus 4 degrees Celsius-mark on the night of January 5.
Kashmir is currently under the grip of "Chilla-i-Kalan", a 40-day harsh winter period, when a cold wave sweeps the region and temperatures drop considerably leading to the freezing of water bodies as well as water in pipes.
The chances of snowfall are the highest during this period and most areas, particularly the higher reaches, receive heavy snowfall.
