Zojila Freezes at -23°C, Shopian Coldest in Kashmir at -6.3°C, Sgr freezes at -3.4°C
TDD Correspondent
Srinagar, (TDD): A relentless cold wave has tightened its grip on Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh, sending temperatures plummeting across the regions.
Several areas recorded sub-zero temperatures, with some experiencing extreme lows, disrupting normal life.
In the Kashmir Valley, Shopian recorded the lowest temperature at -6.3°C, followed by Larnoo (-6.1°C) and Anantnag (-5.5°C). The Zojila Pass, notorious for its unforgiving winters, witnessed a staggering low of -23°C, making it one of the coldest spots in the region. Srinagar, the summer capital, registered -3.4°C, while Gulmarg, a hub for winter tourism, stood at -4°C.
The Jammu region experienced milder yet chilly conditions, especially in higher altitudes. Samba recorded the lowest temperature at 0.5°C, while Jammu city registered a minimum of 5°C. Notably, Banihal and Bhaderwah recorded 1.0°C and 0.9°C, respectively. Katra, the base for Vaishno Devi pilgrims, recorded the highest temperature in the region at 6.9°C.
In Ladakh, the frigid desert lived up to its reputation. Leh recorded a minimum of -8.6°C, while Kargil dipped even further to -10.6°C.
The freezing temperatures have severely impacted daily activities, with authorities urging caution while traveling through high-altitude passes like Zojila due to hazardous weather conditions.
Despite the cold, popular tourist destinations like Gulmarg and Pahalgam remain a winter wonderland for visitors. However, residents are bracing for further drops in temperature as Chillai Kalan, the harshest 40-day winter period in Kashmir, approaches. (TDD)
