Srinagar, Jan 13,: Cold wave conditions continued across Kashmir on Tuesday as minimum temperatures remained well below the freezing point at most places, while parts of Jammu recorded low single-digit temperatures. Ladakh remained in the grip of intense cold with double-digit sub-zero readings.
In the Kashmir region, Srinagar recorded a minimum temperature of minus 4.9 degrees Celsius, while Srinagar Airport settled lower at minus 5.8 degrees Celsius. Qazigund registered minus 5.0 degrees Celsius, Pahalgam minus 6.2 degrees Celsius, Kupwara minus 5.8 degrees Celsius and Kokernag minus 1.6 degrees Celsius. Gulmarg recorded a low of minus 3.5 degrees Celsius.
Pulwama emerged among the coldest places in the Valley with a minimum of minus 6.6 degrees Celsius, followed closely by Sopore at minus 6.5 degrees Celsius, Shopian at minus 6.3 degrees Celsius and Anantnag at minus 6.1 degrees Celsius. Sonamarg recorded minus 7.0 degrees Celsius, while Baramulla and Kokernag were relatively warmer at minus 1.4 and minus 1.6 degrees Celsius, respectively. Temperature data for Kulgam remained unavailable.
In the Jammu region, Jammu city recorded a minimum of 3.8 degrees Celsius, while Jammu Airport settled at 5.6 degrees Celsius. Banihal recorded 8.9 degrees Celsius, Batote 4.1 degrees Celsius and Katra 6.2 degrees Celsius. Bhaderwah was the only station to slip below freezing, recording minus 0.2 degrees Celsius. Rajouri recorded 0.0 degrees Celsius, while Udhampur settled at 0.8 degrees Celsius. Temperature data for Doda was not available.
Ladakh continued to reel under severe cold conditions. Leh recorded a minimum temperature of minus 11.6 degrees Celsius, Kargil minus 10.2 degrees Celsius, Nubra Valley minus 10.8 degrees Celsius and Hanle minus 9.7 degrees Celsius.
Snowfall likely in Kashmir plains between Jan 18 and 21
Snowfall is likely to occur in the plains of Kashmir between January 18 and January 21, according to prevailing weather indications, raising the possibility of a fresh winter spell across the Valley.
Officials said the anticipated snowfall period may bring a change in weather conditions, with temperatures expected to drop further during and after the precipitation. While higher reaches routinely receive snow during winter, snowfall in the plains could impact daily life, transport and power supply if the spell turns intense.
The possible snowfall is being closely watched by authorities, particularly in view of its potential impact on road connectivity, including national highways and internal routes. Winter preparedness measures, officials said, remain in place to respond to any weather related disruptions.
Locals and travellers have been advised to stay alert to official weather advisories and plan their movements accordingly during the expected period. [KNT]
