SRINAGAR: A harsh cold wave continued to prevail across Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh on Friday, with several locations in the Kashmir Valley and the cold desert region recording sub-zero minimum temperatures.
Shopian emerged as the coldest place in Kashmir at minus 7.7 degrees Celsius, followed closely by Pahalgam at minus 7.6 degrees and Pulwama at minus 7.5 degrees. Srinagar registered a minimum temperature of minus 6.0 degrees, while the mercury at Srinagar Airport dipped further to minus 7.4 degrees.
Anantnag recorded a low of minus 7.1 degrees, Sopore minus 6.8 degrees and Zethan Rafiabad minus 7.2 degrees. Gulmarg, the popular ski resort, also witnessed intense cold, settling at minus 7.2 degrees Celsius.
In the Jammu region, temperatures were comparatively higher, though several hilly areas experienced freezing conditions. Bhaderwah recorded a minimum of minus 3.4 degrees Celsius, followed by Rajouri at minus 1.7 degrees and Udhampur at minus 1.0 degrees. Jammu city recorded a low of 5.6 degrees, while the temperature at Jammu Airport stood at 6.7 degrees Celsius.
Ladakh continued to reel under extreme cold, with Drass recording a bone-chilling minus 24.6 degrees Celsius, the lowest in the region. Padum recorded minus 20.3 degrees, Nyoma minus 21.6 degrees and Hanle minus 16.2 degrees, officials said.
Meteorological officials said the cold conditions are likely to persist over the next few days. Weather across Jammu and Kashmir has remained largely dry during “Chillai Kalan”, the 40-day harshest phase of winter that began on December 21. A weak Western Disturbance affected the Union Territory last week, bringing light rain and snowfall to parts of north Kashmir.
