SRINAGAR: Kashmir witnessed its harshest end-November cold spell in nearly 18 years on Friday as minimum temperatures plummeted across the Valley, breaking records last seen in 2007 and signalling an early onset of severe winter conditions.
Srinagar city recorded a minimum of minus 4.5°C, while the airport reported an even more severe minus 6.4°C. Pampore registered minus 6.0°C, and both Anantnag and Pulwama dipped to minus 6.2°C. Shopian reported the lowest temperature in the Valley at minus 6.7°C, followed by Baramulla at minus 5.9°C and Pahalgam at minus 5.5°C. Minus 4.8°C was logged in Kupwara, Awantipora and Budgam, Bandipora recorded minus 4.9°C and Ganderbal minus 3.5°C. Kokernag remained relatively milder at minus 1.8°C, while Gulmarg touched minus 1.4°C.
In the upper reaches, the cold was more biting. Zojila Pass plunged to minus 16.0°C, hampering movement and deepening winter hardships for residents in adjoining areas. Sonamarg recorded minus 3.8°C, and Zethan Rafiabad stood at minus 5.3°C.
The cold wave extended into parts of the Jammu region as well, with Banihal recording minus 1.5°C and Bhaderwah minus 0.5°C. Jammu city remained comparatively warmer at 9.4°C, while Katra and Kathua both recorded 8.2°C. Ladakh continued to face extreme conditions with Leh at minus 8.6°C, Kargil minus 9.6°C and the Nubra Valley minus 8.3°C.
Meteorological officials attributed the steep decline in night temperatures to a prolonged dry spell and clear skies that enhanced radiational cooling. Reports of frozen water pipes surfaced in several localities as residents began using heating devices earlier than usual.
The Meteorological Department has forecast persistent sub-zero nights in the coming days and advised residents to take necessary precautions as winter tightens its grip across the region.
