Srinagar is currently grappling with a severe cold wave, yet the chilly weather is attracting a steady stream of tourists. Visitors are soaking in the winter charm at the iconic Dal Lake, bundled up in warm clothing to fend off the cold. Nand Kishore Saini from Faridabad said, “I’m very happy to be here. The arrangements are good, the weather is pleasant, and it’s cold as well. We were hoping to see the frozen Dal Lake, which hasn’t occurred in the past 2–3 years. Although we couldn’t see it this time, we had a fantastic experience in Sonmarg with the snowfall. Everything else has been smooth; there have been no issues.”

Tourists in Srinagar were spotted braving the cold in layers of winter wear. Nand Kishore added, “We’ve brought caps, scarves, and handkerchiefs for the children. The morning was typically wintery, and by evening, the temperatures dropped further. We haven’t visited Dal Lake yet—we went to Sonmarg yesterday. Today, we plan to visit Gulmarg first and then Dal Lake in the evening. I highly recommend everyone visit; it’s like heaven here. I came this time, and if God permits, I’ll plan another visit next year.”

According to the India Meteorological Department, from February 1–3, scattered to fairly widespread rainfall and snowfall with thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds (30–40 kmph, gusting up to 50 kmph) are expected over Jammu, Kashmir, Ladakh, Gilgit-Baltistan, Muzaffarabad, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand. Heavy snowfall in Kashmir caused thousands of vehicles to be stranded on the Jammu-Srinagar highway. Clearance operations in Anantnag resumed amid continued snowfall, which had temporarily halted traffic along the route.