Kashmir Dec 15 : Fresh snowfall was reported in the higher reaches of Kashmir on Sunday as a severe cold wave tightened its grip across the Valley. Snowfall was recorded at Zojila Pass, Minamarg, Baltal in Ganderbal district, and parts of the Tulail Valley in north Kashmir, with some areas receiving around an inch of snow.
The snowfall led to a sharp dip in temperatures across the region. Srinagar recorded a minimum temperature of minus 2.9 degrees Celsius, a significant drop from 2 degrees Celsius a day earlier, while the Srinagar airport saw the mercury fall to minus 4 degrees Celsius. Pulwama emerged as the coldest spot in the Valley at minus 4.2 degrees Celsius, followed by Shopian at minus 3.7 degrees Celsius and Budgam at minus 3.1 degrees Celsius.
Several other areas, including Baramulla, Pampore, Anantnag, and Bandipora, also remained below the freezing point. Zojila Pass witnessed extremely harsh conditions, with temperatures plunging to minus 17 degrees Celsius.
In the Jammu region, temperatures dipped slightly, with Jammu city recording 10.3 degrees Celsius, Banihal 3.8 degrees Celsius, and Bhaderwah 3.6 degrees Celsius.
Ladakh continued to reel under sub-zero temperatures, with Leh recording minus 5.6 degrees Celsius, Kargil minus 5.2 degrees Celsius, and Nubra Valley minus 5.7 degrees Celsius, marginally lower than the previous day.
Authorities have advised residents to take necessary precautions as cold wave conditions are likely to continue in Kashmir and Ladakh over the next few days.
