Chilly nights return to Jammu region as temperatures fal to 3.6 degrees, Leh coldest at -13 degrees Celsius
TDD Correspondent
Srinagar, (TDD): A biting cold wave has engulfed the regions of Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh, with the temperatures plunging to extreme lows as winter intensifies.
Sub-zero temperatures have been recorded in most areas, bringing with them the challenges of frost and freezing conditions.
The Kashmir Valley is experiencing a severe cold spell, with Sonamarg recording the coldest temperature of -9.6°C. The popular hill stations of Pahalgam and Gulmarg recorded lows of -8.4°C and -7.6°C, respectively, turning these picturesque destinations into frozen winter landscapes.
Even Srinagar, the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir, witnessed a frigid -4.6°C, marking one of the coldest nights of the season. Other areas, such as Pulwama (-7.9°C), Anantnag (-7.7°C), and Larnoo (-7.8°C), also recorded severe dips in temperature. The harsh conditions have impacted daily life, with frozen water pipes and icy roads becoming common challenges for residents.
While the Jammu region is known for its relatively milder winters, the current cold wave has caused temperatures to dip significantly. Jammu city recorded 3.6°C, while Samba and Udhampur experienced near-freezing conditions at 0.4°C and 0.7°C, respectively. The hilly regions of Jammu, including Bhaderwah and Banihal, also felt the chill with temperatures dropping to -0.6°C and 4.9°C.
Interestingly, Ramban stood out with a relatively warm 14.0°C, providing a contrast to the icy conditions seen in neighboring areas. However, districts like Reasi (2.7°C) and Kathua (4.4°C) remained cold, highlighting the varied climatic patterns in the region.
In Ladakh, the temperatures are some of the lowest in the region, showcasing the extreme winter conditions. Kargil recorded a numbing -14.3°C, making it one of the coldest places in the area. Leh, another key town, was not far behind at -13.0°C, while areas like Drass, known as the second coldest inhabited place in the world, likely experienced even lower temperatures, though official figures were not available.
The ongoing cold wave has caused disruptions in daily life, particularly in Kashmir and Ladakh. Water supply lines have frozen in many areas, and residents are resorting to traditional methods like heating water on stoves to combat the freezing conditions. Power cuts, a recurring issue during winters, have further added to the challenges.
In the plains of Jammu, the cold weather has led to an increase in demand for heating equipment, woolens, and blankets. Farmers in frost-prone areas are also facing difficulties as freezing temperatures impact crops and livestock.
As per the Meteorological department, there is no forecast for the wet spell till December 20.(TDD)
