Bhaderwah: Intense cold conditions have gripped Bhaderwah as night temperatures plunged well below the freezing point, causing several water bodies, nallahs, and natural waterfalls to turn into solid sheets of ice especially after start of ongoing Chillai kalan. However cloudy weather is being witnessed across Chenab Valley since morning. The icy formations developing overnight have transformed the region into a striking yet harsh winter landscape. Prolonged cold and dry weather has led to the freezing of multiple water bodies across the Bhaderwah region, significantly intensifying the winter chill. The persistent cold wave has disrupted normal life, with temperatures dipping far below seasonal averages. Local residents reported that even continuously flowing waterfalls in upper reaches of Bhaderwah have partially frozen, highlighting the severity of the cold spell. Small streams, ponds, and roadside water channels have developed thick layers of ice, affecting daily water usage in several nearby villages. Meanwhile, residents are pinning hopes on an approaching western disturbance for some relief. The cold wave continues to dominate weather conditions in Bhaderwah, with authorities advising people to take necessary precautions, especially during night and early morning hours. It is notable that Jammu and Kashmir is going through Chillai Kalan, the region's harshest 40-day winter phase.