‘Temperatures dip in Jammu too’
TDD Correspondent
Srinagar, TDD,The cold wave sweeping across Jammu, Kashmir, and Ladakh has intensified, with temperatures plummeting to freezing and sub-zero levels. From frost-laden mornings in the Kashmir Valley to the snow-covered landscapes of Ladakh, the region is firmly in winter’s icy embrace, offering both beauty and challenges to residents and tourists alike.
The Kashmir Valley has been transformed into a winter wonderland, with widespread frost and freezing temperatures overnight.
Srinagar, the region’s summer capital, recorded a minimum temperature of -2.0°C, with icy winds and frost-covered rooftops greeting the city’s residents. Parts of the Dal Lake have started freezing along the edges, adding to the valley’s enchanting winter scenery.
Qazigund and Ganderbal reported identical lows of -2.2°C, with chilly mornings making daily life challenging.
Pahalgam, a favorite winter destination for tourists, froze at -4.8°C, making it one of the coldest places in the valley.
Neighboring Anantnag also shivered at -3.9°C, while Pulwama, Shopian, and Larnoo recorded equal lows of -4.7°C.
Kupwara, at -1.2°C, saw slightly milder conditions, but the high-altitude Zojila Pass plunged to an extreme -17.0°C, reflecting the harshness of winter in the upper reaches.
Other areas like Gulmarg (-3.5°C) and Sonamarg (-3.7°C) are already blanketed in snow, drawing winter sports enthusiasts and travelers.
Compared to Kashmir, Jammu is experiencing relatively milder temperatures, but the cold has intensified in several parts of the region.
Jammu city recorded a minimum temperature of 8.4°C, which, while warmer than the valley, feels cold to its residents used to temperate weather.
Katra, the base camp for the Vaishno Devi pilgrimage, was the warmest in the region at 10.0°C.
Hill towns like Bhaderwah (1.4°C) and Banihal (3.2°C) are significantly colder, with Bhaderwah inching closer to freezing.
Padder, in the higher reaches, saw a sharp drop to -3.5°C, mirroring Kashmir’s icy conditions.
Other areas such as Batote (6.5°C), Samba (4.8°C), Udhampur (4.5°C), and Rajouri (4.4°C) recorded cool but tolerable temperatures, while Reasi stood at 7.0°C.
In Ladakh, known for its unforgiving winters, the temperatures have dropped significantly, leaving residents bracing for the months ahead.
Leh recorded a bone-chilling -8.8°C, making it the coldest place in the region.
Kargil, another high-altitude area, wasn’t far behind, with a minimum of -7.9°C.
These sub-zero temperatures are a norm for Ladakh during this time of year, with day temperatures often remaining below freezing as well.
The icy cold has painted the entire region in shades of white and gray. In Kashmir, frost-covered trees and snow-laden peaks create breathtaking vistas, while the valley’s rivers and lakes begin to freeze. The region’s popular tourist destinations, like Gulmarg, Sonamarg, and Pahalgam, are buzzing with visitors eager to experience the snow and winter sports.
In Jammu, the lower-altitude areas are still manageable, but frost and icy winds in higher towns like Bhaderwah and Banihal signal the arrival of harsher winter conditions.
Meanwhile, Ladakh becomes a winter wonderland, but the extreme cold poses significant challenges for its residents, who rely on traditional heating methods and stockpiled supplies. The region remains cut off from the rest of the country for months due to heavy snowfall blocking roads and passes.
As December progresses, the cold is expected to intensify, with further snowfall adding to the beauty and challenges of the region. Tourists flock to enjoy the winter charm, while locals brace themselves for the demanding months ahead. Winter in Jammu, Kashmir, and Ladakh is both a spectacle and a test of resilience, offering a unique blend of serene beauty and extreme conditions. (TDD)
