Srinagar, Dec 10 (JKNS): The cold wave tightened its grip over Jammu & Kashmir last night as temperatures plunged well below the freezing point at most locations, with the famous ski resort Gulmarg turning out to be the coldest inhabited area at –5.5°C.
The most extreme temperature, however, was reported from Zojila Pass, where the mercury nosedived to a bone-chilling –18.0°C, marking one of the coldest readings of the season.
According to details compiled by independent weather channel Kashmir Weather as per news agency JKNS, Srinagar recorded a low of –1.9°C, while its outskirts remained even colder as Srinagar Airport dipped to –3.6°C.
In south Kashmir, Qazigund settled at –1.6°C, Kokernag –1.8°C, Pampore –2.5°C, Budgam –3.0°C, Anantnag –2.6°C, and Pulwama –3.7°C. Shopian experienced a sharp fall, touching –4.3°C. Pahalgam, another key tourist spot, recorded –3.6°C, while Sonamarg registered –1.6°C.
North Kashmir also faced intense cold conditions. Kupwara plunged to –4.2°C, Baramulla to –4.5°C, and Zethan Rafiabad witnessed one of the lowest readings at –4.8°C.
Only a few pockets showed slightly better conditions, though still below freezing, including Kulgam at –0.6°C and Ganderbal at –0.9°C.
Meanwhile, the Jammu region stayed comparatively warmer. Jammu city recorded 8.4°C, Katra 9.5°C, and Batote and Doda at 6.5°C each. Bhaderwah slipped to 0.8°C, Rajouri to 2.0°C, and Samba to 3.3°C. Udhampur and Banihal reported 4.8°C and 5.4°C respectively.
In Ladakh, the cold desert continued to freeze under sub-zero conditions with Leh at –5.5°C, Kargil at –5.1°C, and Nubra Valley at –2.5°C.
Weather experts say the cold wave is expected to intensify further in the coming days, with no significant weather system forecast to provide relief. (JKNS)
