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.
The biting cold has tightened its grip over Jammu Kashmir and Ladakh, with temperatures dipping below freezing in several areas.The Kashmir region continues to shiver under sub-zero conditions, while parts of Jammu and Ladakh face even harsher weather.
In Kashmir, Shopian recorded the lowest temperature at a frigid -4.6°C, followed closely by Pahalgam at -4.4°C.Popular tourist destinations like Gulmarg and Sonamarg saw the mercury drop to -2.6°C and -3.6°C, respectively.
Srinagar, the region’s summer capital, reported a minimum of -0.6°C, marking a notable chill in the urban center.Other districts, including Anantnag (-3.9°C) and Pulwama (-3.6°C), also experienced freezing temperatures, signaling the onset of a harsh winter.
Meanwhile, in the Jammu region, the weather remained comparatively mild but still cold.Jammu city recorded a minimum of 10.1°C, while Bhaderwah and Kishtwar experienced chilly conditions at 1.6°C and 4.0°C, respectively. However, the coldest in the region was Padder, which reported a bone-chilling -5.8°C.
In Ladakh, the cold wave has been relentless, with Drass freezing at an extreme -11.2°C, making it one of the coldest inhabited places in the world.Leh recorded a minimum of -8.6°C, while Kargil was not far behind at -6.8°C.
The drastic drop in temperatures has led to frost-covered landscapes in many areas, affecting daily life and increasing the demand for heating supplies.Authorities have urged residents to take precautions against the cold and ensure proper insulation of homes.
With the winter season advancing, meteorologists have forecasted colder days ahead, with no immediate respite in sight.The region’s harsh winter conditions serve as a reminder of the challenging environment its residents endure annually.
