Cold Wave Grips Kashmir Valley; Gulmarg Records Season’s Coldest Night at –9.2°C A severe cold wave continued to grip the Kashmir Valley, with the famous ski resort of Gulmarg recording the coldest night of the season as temperatures plunged to minus 9.7 degrees Celsius on Sunday night. The sharp dip in mercury intensified the ongoing cold conditions across the Valley, bringing freezing nights and icy mornings to most parts. According to weather officials, Gulmarg emerged as one of the coldest places in the region, with sub-zero temperatures prevailing throughout the night. Other parts of the Valley also witnessed a significant fall in minimum temperatures, resulting in frozen water bodies, frost-covered roads, and icy conditions during early morning hours. The intense cold wave has disrupted normal life in several areas, with residents relying heavily on heating systems to combat the chilling conditions. Water supply lines in some localities have partially frozen due to prolonged sub-zero temperatures, while early morning commuters faced difficulties because of icy roads and reduced visibility. Meteorological authorities have attributed the cold wave to clear night skies and dry weather conditions, which have led to rapid loss of heat after sunset. They have forecast that the cold conditions are likely to persist over the next few days, with night temperatures expected to remain well below the freezing point, especially in higher reaches including Gulmarg, Pahalgam, and Sonamarg. Meanwhile, tourists visiting Gulmarg were seen enjoying the extreme winter conditions, capturing the snow-laden landscapes and experiencing the peak of Kashmir’s winter charm. However, the authorities have advised both tourists and locals to exercise caution, follow weather advisories, and take necessary precautions while travelling, particularly during early morning and late evening hours. The administration has urged people to conserve water, protect pipelines from freezing, and ensure safe use of heating appliances to avoid any untoward incidents as the cold wave continues to tighten its grip on the Valley.