Srinagar: The Kashmir Valley witnessed widespread sub-zero temperatures with the weather station recording minimum temperatures below the freezing point, intensifying the ongoing cold wave conditions across the region.
According to the latest data, Srinagar recorded a minimum temperature of minus 2.6 degrees Celsius, while Qazigund settled at minus 2.8 degrees Celsius. Tourist resort Pahalgam registered minus 4.8 degrees Celsius and Gulmarg followed closely at minus 4.2 degrees Celsius.
North Kashmir also remained under the grip of severe cold, with Kupwara and Srinagar Airport both recording minus 3.8 degrees Celsius. Baramulla recorded minus 2.5 degrees Celsius, Bandipora minus 2.0 degrees Celsius, and Zethan Rafiabad dropped to minus 3.4 degrees Celsius.
In south Kashmir, Pulwama recorded minus 4.3 degrees Celsius, Shopian minus 4.7 degrees Celsius, Anantnag minus 3.6 degrees Celsius, Awantipora minus 3.2 degrees Celsius, and Kulgam minus 1.9 degrees Celsius. Kokernag also remained below freezing at minus 0.9 degrees Celsius.
Central Kashmir areas including Budgam and Ganderbal recorded minus 2.7 degrees Celsius and minus 1.8 degrees Celsius respectively, while Pampore dipped to minus 4.5 degrees Celsius.
The coldest location in the Valley was Sonamarg, which recorded a biting minus 5.8 degrees Celsius, reflecting intense nocturnal cooling in higher reaches.
Weather officials said the widespread sub-zero temperatures are a result of clear night skies, a condition that is likely to sustain chilly nights over the coming days.[KNT]
