‘Kargil Coldest at -12.5°C, Sgr freezes -5.3 degrees Celsius; Dal lake among several water bodies freeze partially’
TDD Correspondent
Srinagar, (TDD): The entire northern region of Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh reeled under an intense cold wave today with temperatures plunging to alarming lows.
Kargil in the Ladakh region recorded the coldest temperature of the day at a bone-chilling -12.5°C, highlighting the severity of the winter in higher altitudes.
In the Kashmir Valley, Shopian and Anantnag were the coldest places, both recording a freezing -8.9°C, followed closely by Larnoo at -8.8°C and Pulwama at -8.5°C. Popular tourist destinations also witnessed freezing conditions, with Pahalgam registering -6.8°C, Gulmarg at -4.0°C, and Sonamarg experiencing a biting -7.7°C. Other major areas, including Srinagar (-5.3°C) and Kupwara (-5.6°C), reported significant drops, adding to the woes of residents battling freezing nights.
In the Jammu region, sub-zero temperatures were recorded in Padder (-8.3°C) and Banihal (-3.4°C), while Udhampur dipped to -0.5°C. Other parts of Jammu, such as Jammu city (4.9°C) and Katra (6.7°C), remained relatively warmer but still cold. Freezing temperatures were also observed in Samba (0.5°C) and Poonch (0.7°C), while Reasi and Rajouri reported near-freezing lows.
The harshest winter conditions prevailed in Ladakh, where Leh recorded a freezing -8.8°C, and Kargil topped the charts with -12.5°C, making it the coldest location in the region.
The biting cold has disrupted daily life, particularly in Kashmir and Ladakh, where frozen water pipes and icy roads are adding to residents’ challenges. Demand for heating devices and firewood has surged as people brace for more freezing days ahead.
Meteorological officials have attributed the drop in temperature to clear night skies and cold winds, with little relief expected in the immediate future. Tourists visiting the snow-covered regions are making the most of the frosty weather, particularly in Gulmarg and Sonamarg, which remain winter wonderlands.
Authorities have urged residents to take necessary precautions as the cold wave is likely to persist, especially in higher-altitude areas. (TDD)
