SRINAGAR: Several parts of the Kashmir Valley recorded sub-zero minimum temperatures, with Sonamarg emerging as the coldest location at minus 8.9 degrees Celsius, according to official data.
Shopian witnessed a low of minus 6.7 degrees Celsius, while Pulwama, Anantnag and Sopore each recorded minimum temperatures of minus 6.1 degrees Celsius. Pahalgam registered a low of minus 6.0 degrees Celsius.
The summer capital Srinagar recorded a minimum temperature of minus 4.7 degrees Celsius, while the temperature at Srinagar Airport dropped further to minus 5.4 degrees Celsius.
Other areas also experienced intense cold conditions, with Gulmarg recording minus 5.6 degrees Celsius, Awantipora minus 5.6 degrees Celsius, Pampore minus 5.5 degrees Celsius and Bandipora minus 5.0 degrees Celsius. Kupwara and Qazigund settled at minus 4.8 degrees Celsius each, while Baramulla recorded minus 4.4 degrees Celsius.
Ganderbal reported a minimum temperature of minus 3.3 degrees Celsius, while Aloosa in Bandipora district registered minus 2.8 degrees Celsius.
In the Jammu region, temperatures remained comparatively higher. Jammu city recorded a minimum of 5.5 degrees Celsius, while Jammu Airport settled at 5.7 degrees Celsius. Katra recorded 6.6 degrees Celsius, Batote 3.7 degrees Celsius and Reasi 3.4 degrees Celsius.
Banihal recorded a low of minus 2.4 degrees Celsius, Bhaderwah minus 1.0 degrees Celsius, Samba minus 0.6 degrees Celsius and Rajouri minus 0.4 degrees Celsius. Udhampur recorded 1.7 degrees Celsius, Ramban 2.8 degrees Celsius and Kishtwar 2.4 degrees Celsius.
In the Ladakh region, Leh recorded a minimum temperature of minus 8.2 degrees Celsius, while Hanle emerged as the coldest at minus 10.9 degrees Celsius, officials said.
Meanwhile, the Meteorological Department has forecast a prolonged wet spell across Jammu Kashmir and Ladakh till January 26, warning of heavy rain and snowfall in several areas.
The MeT office said generally cloudy weather is expected on January 18, with light snowfall likely at isolated higher reaches. From January 19 to 20, light to moderate rain or snow is forecast at scattered to fairly widespread places.
A major wet spell is expected from January 22 onwards, prompting the department to issue advisories for travellers, farmers and residents in vulnerable areas.
