Srinagar, Dec 2 (JKNS): A severe cold wave tightened its hold over Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh, with night temperatures dipping sharply across the region and several areas plunging well below the freezing point.
According to data compiled by independent weather platform Kashmir Weather, as per news agency JKNS, Srinagar shivered at –2.5°C, while Qazigund recorded –2.4°C. Popular tourist spots also witnessed harsh conditions, with Pahalgam touching –2.2°C and Gulmarg settling at 0.0°C.
Shopian emerged as the coldest location in the Valley, registering a biting minimum of –5.0°C.
Temperature readings from other Kashmir stations include Kupwara –3.1°C, Kokernag –0.6°C, Baramulla –4.3°C, Bandipora –3.1°C, Pulwama –3.8°C, Budgam –3.1°C, Awantipora –3.0°C, and Anantnag –3.7°C. Pampore also reported a sharp fall to –4.2°C, while Ganderbal stood at –1.8°C and Sonamarg at –0.7°C.
In the Jammu division, conditions were comparatively milder though still cold for the season. Jammu recorded a minimum of 8.6°C and Katra 8.5°C. Banihal, however, remained the coldest in the region with temperatures dropping to –0.5°C.
Other stations reported: Batote 4.8°C, Bhaderwah 0.9°C, Kathua 8.2°C, Udhampur 3.6°C, Ramban 4.4°C, Samba 2.6°C, Rajouri 2.2°C, Kishtwar 4.0°C, Reasi 6.5°C and Doda 4.2°C.
In Ladakh, the mercury continued its free fall with Leh recording –6.6°C, Kargil –4.8°C, and Nubra Valley –5.0°C, maintaining freezing conditions across the high-altitude region.
The Meteorological Department has forecast dry weather for the next week, with a chance of cloud cover and light snowfall over higher reaches on December 3 and 4. (JKNS)
