SRINAGAR: Srinagar experienced its coldest night of the season, with minimum temperatures dropping to –3.9°C, signalling a sharp intensification of winter conditions across the Kashmir Valley.
According to temperature data compiled by Kashmir Weather, several parts of the Valley recorded severe sub-zero temperatures. Baramulla registered –5.9°C, Pulwama –5.8°C, Pampore and Anantnag –5.5°C, while Shopian was among the coldest at –6.2°C. The famed hill resort of Pahalgam settled at –4.6°C, and Kupwara at –4.0°C.
At higher reaches, conditions were harsher, with Zojila Pass plummeting to –16°C, one of the lowest readings of the season.
In central and south Kashmir, temperatures also remained well below freezing. Budgam recorded –4.2°C, Bandipora –4.2°C, Awantipora –5.0°C, Ganderbal –2.8°C and Sonamarg –3.1°C.
In the Jammu region, comparatively warmer conditions prevailed, though several areas witnessed a dip. Jammu city recorded 8.8°C, Banihal –0.7°C, Bhaderwah 0.5°C, and Samba 3.9°C.
The cold wave extended into Ladakh, where Leh recorded –8.2°C, Kargil –9.0°C, and Nubra –6.8°C.
The persistent drop in temperatures marks the onset of harsher winter conditions across the region, ahead of the 40-day Chillai Kalan period beginning in late December.
