Cold wave tightens grip across Kashmir, Pahalgam shivers at minus 7.8°C

Srinagar: The cold wave in Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh intensified as minimum temperatures plunged across the region. Drass in Ladakh was the coldest recorded location at a bone-chilling -21.8°C.

In the Kashmir Valley, Srinagar shivered at -4.2°C, while Pahalgam and Sonamarg recorded -7.8°C. Larnoo in south Kashmir was the coldest in the valley, touching -8.2°C. Gulmarg, a popular ski resort, stood at -6.2°C, and Shopian saw temperatures plummet to -6.7°C.

In Jammu, the minimum temperature in the winter capital was recorded at 6.4°C. Banihal experienced 2.0°C, while Bhaderwah dipped below freezing to -0.1°C.

Ladakh recorded its harshest conditions with Kargil at -12.6°C and Leh at -11.6°C.

The ongoing cold wave has heightened the demand for heating arrangements across the region, with residents bracing for harsher conditions in the days to come.