Biting cold grips Kashmir; Pahalgam shivers at minus 8.2°C

Srinagar: The Kashmir region is reeling under intense cold, with sub-zero temperatures recorded across all districts. The tourist hotspots of Pahalgam and Gulmarg recorded bone-chilling lows of -8.2°C and -6.0°C, respectively. Sonamarg dropped to -9.0°C, while Zojila Pass emerged as the coldest place in the region at a freezing -24.0°C.

In south Kashmir, Shopian and Anantnag experienced severe cold at -10.0°C and -9.9°C, respectively. Pulwama followed closely at -9.5°C, while Khudwani registered -8.5°C. Meanwhile, the central district of Budgam recorded -7.6°C, and Ganderbal stood at -6.4°C.

The Jammu region also felt the winter chill, with Banihal shivering at -3.8°C and Bhaderwah at -1.6°C. Jammu city, however, remained relatively warm at 6.9°C, while Katra recorded 6.0°C. Rajouri saw temperatures dipping to 0.3°C, and Padder in Kishtwar district reported -8.5°C.

In Ladakh, the cold intensified with Leh at -11.8°C and Kargil plunging to -13.8°C. Drass, often referred to as the ‘coldest inhabited place on Earth,’ reported temperatures too low to measure.

The severe drop in temperatures has heightened concerns about freezing pipes and disrupted travel across the region. Residents are advised to take precautions and ensure proper heating arrangements.