Srinagar :- A severe cold wave has tightened its grip across the Union Territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh, with temperatures plummeting to extreme sub-zero levels in many areas.
According to a meteorological department official summer capital Srinagar recorded a minimum temperature of -3.5°C, while other parts of Kashmir Valley experienced even colder conditions, with Qazigund registering -7.5°C and Pahalgam dropping to -8.4°C.
The famous tourist destinations were not spared from the bitter cold, as Gulmarg ski resort recorded -11.5°C and Sonamarg reached -7.4°C. Across the Kashmir Valley, temperatures varied significantly, with Bandipora recording -0.6°C, Baramulla -4.0°C, and Shopian experiencing a severe -9.1°C. Kupwara remained relatively warmer at 0.1°C, while Kokernag registered -5.6°C.The Jammu region, while experiencing milder temperatures compared to Kashmir, still felt the winter’s chill. Jammu city recorded a minimum of 7.1°C, with surrounding areas showing varying temperatures: Banihal at -2.3°C, Batote at 1.5°C, and Katra at 5.0°C. Other parts of the region such as Kathua and Samba recorded slightly higher temperatures at 9.0°C and 7.2°C respectively.
The cold wave’s impact was most severe in the Ladakh region, where Drass plunged to a frigid -18.4°C, while Kargil and Leh recorded -14.0°C and -11.0°C respectively. These extreme conditions have prompted authorities to issue safety advisories to residents, particularly following heavy snowfall in Kashmir over the past two days. Drivers have been specifically cautioned to exercise extra care while navigating snow-covered roads during this harsh winter period.
