SRINAGAR: The chill of winter has firmly settled over Kashmir, with Shopian recording a bone-chilling -4.6°C, making it the coldest place in the region. The biting cold is evident as night temperatures in most areas of the Valley dipped well below freezing.
Other notable cold spots include Pahalgam at -4.4°C and Anantnag and Larnoo, both shivering at -3.9°C. Sonamarg and Pulwama followed closely at -3.6°C each, while Gulmarg recorded -2.6°C, maintaining its reputation as a frosty paradise for skiers.
The Meteorological Department has forecast predominantly dry weather across Jammu and Kashmir till November 29. However, a spell of rain and light snow is likely to hit higher altitudes and scattered locations starting the evening of November 30. The inclement weather is expected to persist through December 1 and 2 before turning dry again till December 6.
Apart from Shopian, many districts across the Valley reported sub-zero temperatures. Srinagar, the summer capital, recorded a marginal improvement at -0.6°C but remains gripped by the wintry chill. Kokernag, one of the few exceptions, stayed just above freezing at 0.4°C.
In the Jammu region, temperatures were significantly warmer, with Jammu city recording a low of 10.1°C. Padder stood out as the coldest place in Jammu at -5.8°C. Meanwhile, Ladakh continued to battle severe cold, with Drass dropping to a bone-numbing -11.2°C, making it one of the coldest places in the Union Territory.
Despite the freezing conditions, Kashmir’s pristine landscapes, dusted with frost, present an irresistible allure to tourists. Gulmarg, with its sub-zero temperatures, remains a hotspot for winter sports enthusiasts, while Pahalgam’s serene beauty attracts visitors seeking tranquillity.
With the upcoming forecast of snow, the region could witness an uptick in tourist arrivals, adding a spark to the winter economy. However, the residents brace for harsher days as the Valley steps deeper into the season of snow and frost.
