Kashmir Shivers as Night Temperatures Dip Below Freezing Across Valley

SRINAGAR: The Kashmir Valley continued to reel under an intense cold wave on Tuesday night as minimum temperatures plunged well below the freezing point at most places, weather officials said.

As per the latest meteorological data, Srinagar recorded a minimum of –4.4°C, while several other stations witnessed even harsher conditions. Pampore (–5.0°C), Anantnag (–5.3°C), Baramulla (–5.3°C), Pulwama (–5.5°C) and Shopian (–5.9°C) remained among the coldest locations in the Valley.

In popular tourist destinations, Pahalgam recorded –4.6°C, Kupwara –4.1°C, Gulmarg –2.6°C, Kokernag –1.2°C, and Ganderbal –3.0°C. Higher reaches also witnessed severe cold, with Sonamarg touching –3.6°C and Zethan Rafiabad registering –4.9°C.

The cold conditions extended to the Jammu region as well, where temperatures dipped notably. Jammu city recorded 8.1°C, while Banihal fell to –0.7°C, Bhaderwah to –0.2°C, Rajouri to 1.4°C, and Samba to 2.5°C. Katra recorded 7.6°C, whereas Udhampur and Ramban settled at 4.0°C and 4.1°C respectively.

In Ladakh, the mercury dropped sharply too, with Leh recording –7.0°C, followed by Kargil at –5.6°C and Nubra Valley at –4.7°C.

Officials attributed the persistent fall in night temperatures to dry weather and clear skies, adding that cold wave conditions are expected to intensify from December 6, with slight relief likely on December 4 and 5.(Agencies)