Weather experts attribute the intense cold wave in Kashmir to the La Niña effect, which leads to harsher winters and increased precipitation. During the phenomenon, the surface temperatures of the Pacific Ocean cool, disrupting atmospheric circulation patterns and resulting in extreme weather conditions worldwide.

This marks the coldest December night since 1974, when the city recorded a low of minus 10.3°C. The temperature is not only significant in recent history but also ranks as the third-lowest December temperature recorded in the city in the last 133 years, following an all-time low of minus 12.8°C set in 1934.

Chillai Kalan is the 40-day harshest period of winter that begins from tomorrow, December 21 and ends on January 31. Check latest updates on Jammu and Kashmir weather.

Kashmir Valley and Ladakh region have been continuously reeling under excruciating cold waves and the temperatures across the division are recorded below freezing point. South Kashmir remains one of the coldest areas in the Kashmir division.

Kalan, considered Kashmir's harshest winter period, Kashmir experienced its coldest night of the season, with Srinagar recording a minimum temperature of minus 6.2 degrees Celsius.