Cold wave grips Kashmir, Ladakh; several areas record season’s lowest temperatures

Srinagar: A severe cold wave tightened its grip across Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh on Tuesday, with several places recording the lowest temperatures of the season, according to data compiled by Kashmir Weather.

In the Kashmir Valley, sub-zero temperatures prevailed across all districts. Srinagar recorded a minimum of minus 5.1 degrees Celsius, while the Srinagar airport was colder at minus 6.8 degrees. Tourist resorts saw sharper dips, with Gulmarg registering minus 9.2 degrees and Pahalgam minus 8.6 degrees. Sonamarg emerged as one of the coldest places in the Valley at minus 9.8 degrees, while Shopian recorded minus 7.8 degrees. Anantnag, Pulwama and Awantipora also witnessed intense cold, with temperatures ranging between minus 5 and minus 7 degrees.

The Jammu region experienced comparatively milder conditions, though higher reaches remained cold. Bhaderwah recorded minus 3.4 degrees, while Rajouri dipped to minus 1 degree. Jammu city recorded a minimum of 7.1 degrees Celsius.

Ladakh continued to reel under extreme cold conditions. Drass, often referred to as the coldest inhabited place in the region, recorded a bone-chilling minus 24.7 degrees Celsius. Leh stood at minus 14.6 degrees, while Hanle recorded minus 16.9 degrees.

Weather officials said cold wave conditions are likely to persist over the next few days.