Srinagar, Jan 8: A severe cold wave swept across Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh on Wednesday, with several places recording the lowest minimum temperatures of the season, pushing large parts of the region into freezing conditions.
In the Kashmir Valley, night temperatures dropped well below zero. Srinagar recorded a low of –5.1°C, while the airport area was colder at –6.8°C. Tourist destinations saw sharper declines, with Gulmarg at –9.2°C and Sonamarg at –9.8°C. South Kashmir remained in the grip of intense cold as Pahalgam registered –8.6°C, Shopian –7.8°C, Pulwama –6.8°C, and Anantnag –6.3°C. Other areas including Qazigund (–5.4°C), Budgam (–5.4°C), Baramulla (–5.3°C), and Kupwara (–5.1°C) also reported biting cold conditions.
The Jammu region experienced comparatively milder but chilly weather, particularly in higher reaches. Bhaderwah recorded –3.4°C, while Rajouri settled at –1.0°C. Hill stations such as Batote (2.8°C), Banihal (3.7°C), and Udhampur (2.0°C) continued to feel the winter chill. Jammu city recorded a minimum of 7.1°C, while the airport logged 7.7°C.
Ladakh remained the coldest region, with extreme sub-zero temperatures across all stations. Drass plunged to –24.7°C, Nyoma to –20.1°C, Padum to –17.2°C, Hanle to –16.9°C, and Leh to –14.6°C. Other areas including Tangste (–17.8°C), Upshi (–15.7°C), and Kargil (–13.4°C) also remained under intense cold.
Meteorological officials said the cold wave is consistent with peak winter conditions and advised people to take necessary precautions, especially during night and early morning hours.
