SRINAGAR: The cold wave gripping Kashmir shows no signs of abating, with the Meteorological Department predicting a continuation of freezing conditions for a few more days. Besides, light snowfall is expected in the higher reaches of the region by the end of the week, offering a wintry spectacle to the scenic valleys.
Shopian remained the coldest place in Kashmir, experiencing a biting low of -10.2°C overnight, further intensifying the chill. Srinagar, the region’s summer capital, recorded a minimum temperature of -4.5°C on the night between Tuesday and Wednesday, a slight improvement from the previous night’s -5.3°C. However, the city’s lowest temperature this winter was -5.4°C, recorded on 10 December, as the cold wave tightened its grip across the Valley.
Other notable figures from the region reflect the pervasive chill. Pahalgam, a favoured destination for tourists, registered -5.8°C, while Sonamarg reported -7.7°C. In the Jammu region, the impact of winter was less severe, with Jammu city recording a relatively mild 5.1°C and Katra, the base for the Vaishno Devi pilgrimage, at 6.6°C. Ladakh continued to endure extreme cold, with Leh and Kargil registering -11.2°C and -13.5°C, respectively.
According to the Meteorological Centre in Srinagar, the coming days are likely to bring predominantly cloudy skies with light snowfall expected over the higher reaches. Between 23 and 26 December, the weather is predicted to remain largely dry across the Valley. From 27 December onwards, light snowfall is expected late in the evening and through the morning of 28 December.
The persistent cold has significantly impacted daily life in Kashmir, with frozen water bodies and icy roads becoming a common sight. Residents and tourists alike are bracing for the wintry spell to continue, while some look forward to the predicted snowfall that will add to the charm of the region’s already breathtaking winter landscape.
