Bhaderwah town and its adjoining areas are reeling under intense cold as the night temperature plunged below minus 3 degrees Celsius following fresh snowfall in the higher reaches of the region. Bone-chilling cold conditions have forced residents to adopt various measures to keep themselves warm. Jammu and Kashmir is currently witnessing Chillai Kalan, the region’s harshest 40-day winter phase, known for severe cold and freezing temperatures. Fresh snowfall has been reported in the upper reaches, particularly around Guldanda, Padri, and other high-altitude peaks. While the snowfall has enhanced the scenic beauty of the Bhaderwah Valley, residents of the town areas continue to endure a dry cold spell and are eagerly awaiting snowfall to ease the biting chill. The sub-zero temperatures have also led to the freezing of several water bodies across the valley, severely impacting drinking water supply in many localities and causing inconvenience to the public. According to the Meteorological Department, there is no major weather activity forecast in Jammu and Kashmir till January 20, indicating that the prevailing cold conditions are likely to persist.