Intense cold is back: Srinagar freezes at -5.1°C as Drass plunges to a Bone-Chilling -22.4°C:

DD Correspondent

Srinagar, (DD): Srinagar, the heart of the Kashmir Valley, recorded a freezing -5.1°C today, marking another icy night in the region. Meanwhile, Drass in Ladakh, famously known as the “coldest inhabited place in India,” plummeted to an unbearable -22.4°C, highlighting the severe winter conditions prevailing across Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh.

In Kashmir, temperatures dropped significantly, with Sonamarg emerging as the coldest at -9.8°C. Larnoo and Pahalgam followed closely, recording -8.8°C and -8.4°C, respectively. Popular tourist hotspots like Gulmarg (-6.5°C) and Qazigund (-6.4°C) remained firmly in the grip of winter, while districts such as Anantnag (-6.2°C), Pulwama (-5.3°C), and Shopian (-8.3°C) also endured biting cold.

In Jammu, conditions were relatively less severe, with Jammu city recording 7.2°C. However, higher altitudes like Padder in Kishtwar district saw temperatures dip as low as -8.0°C. Other areas, including Banihal (-0.6°C), Bhaderwah (-0.4°C), and Rajouri (1.3°C), experienced near-freezing conditions, underscoring the contrasting climate across the region.

Ladakh continues to dominate as the coldest zone, with Kargil at -12.7°C and Leh at -9.0°C. The frigid temperatures are impacting daily life, travel, and outdoor activities, making precautions essential for residents and visitors alike.

As the cold wave tightens its grip, the region faces both challenges and opportunities, with snow-clad landscapes drawing tourists while locals brace for the hardships of winter.(DD)