SRINAGAR: A severe cold wave gripped the Kashmir Valley, Jammu region, and Ladakh, with temperatures plummeting to sub-zero levels in most areas. The icy conditions have tightened their grip, particularly in higher altitudes and valleys, as the region braces for an intense winter.
In the Kashmir Valley, the lowest temperature was recorded in Zojila at a bone-chilling -24.0°C. Pulwama and Shopian also experienced extreme cold, with temperatures at -9.5°C each. Anantnag followed closely at -9.2°C, while Khudwani and Larnoo recorded -8.4°C. Pahalgam and Bandipora were equally frigid, with -8.0°C and -7.4°C respectively. Srinagar, the summer capital, recorded a low of -7.3°C, as did Sonamarg with -7.1°C, Kashmir Weather reported.
Other parts of the valley, including Budgam (-7.6°C), Baramulla (-6.0°C), Ganderbal (-6.4°C), Kulgam (-6.3°C), Kupwara (-6.4°C), and Gulmarg (-6.0°C), also witnessed freezing conditions. Kokernag was slightly less cold but remained below zero at -4.8°C.
In the Jammu region, temperatures were relatively milder but still indicative of the season’s chill. Jammu city recorded 8.0°C, while Banihal registered -1.8°C and Bhaderwah -0.6°C. Udhampur and Batote recorded minimums of 2.9°C and 2.1°C respectively. Katra, a key pilgrimage destination, recorded 7.4°C. The cold was harsher in Padder at -8.8°C, with Ramban, Rajouri, Poonch, and Reasi recording 5.9°C, 3.2°C, 2.3°C, and 3.5°C respectively.
Ladakh, known for its harsh winters, recorded some of the coldest temperatures. Drass, often referred to as the second coldest inhabited place on Earth, saw the mercury dip to -17.7°C. Kargil and Leh followed at -12.9°C and -12.2°C respectively, further solidifying the region’s reputation for extreme winter conditions.
With the temperature dropping across the region, authorities have advised residents to take precautions against the severe cold.
