Sonamarg coldest in Kashmir at minus 8.3 degrees Celsius

Srinagar: Kashmir continued to reel under intense cold conditions, with Sonamarg emerging as the coldest place in the Valley after recording a minimum temperature of minus 8.3 degrees Celsius, according to data compiled by Kashmir Weather Watch.

Pulwama followed closely at minus 5.1 degrees, while Shopian registered minus 4.7 degrees. Awantipora and Pampore recorded minimum temperatures of minus 4.2 degrees and minus 4.0 degrees, respectively.

In Srinagar, the mercury dipped to minus 1.2 degrees, while the city’s airport recorded a sharper low of minus 3.8 degrees. Anantnag registered minus 3.9 degrees, Gulmarg minus 3.5 degrees and Qazigund minus 2.4 degrees. Kupwara recorded a low of minus 1.6 degrees, while Baramulla and Bandipora both settled at minus 1.4 degrees. Kokernag and Ganderbal recorded relatively higher minimums at minus 0.4 degrees and minus 0.7 degrees, respectively. Temperature data for Kulgam was not available.

In the Jammu division, plains continued to remain comparatively warmer. Jammu city recorded a minimum of 7.3 degrees, while Jammu airport logged 8.2 degrees. Katra recorded 7.5 degrees and Kathua 5.8 degrees. However, colder conditions prevailed in higher reaches, with Bhaderwah recording minus 0.5 degrees and Udhampur 0.4 degrees. Data for Doda was unavailable.

Ladakh witnessed even harsher conditions, with Hanle recording a biting minus 14.5 degrees. Leh recorded minus 8.0 degrees, Kargil minus 6.6 degrees and Nubra Valley minus 6.1 degrees.