Cold tightens grip on Kashmir as night temperatures plunge across Valley

Srinagar: Cold conditions intensified across Kashmir as night temperatures dropped sharply in most parts of the Valley, with several areas recording the lowest readings of the season.

Shopian and Sonamarg were the coldest, both recording a minimum of minus 5.5 degrees Celsius, followed by Gulmarg at minus 5 degrees. Pulwama logged minus 4.9 degrees, Anantnag minus 4.2 degrees, and Beerwah in Budgam minus 4.1 degrees. Srinagar recorded a low of minus 2.4 degrees, while the minimum at Srinagar Airport settled at minus 3.4 degrees.

Temperatures in Qazigund, Kupwara, Pampore, Awantipora, Sopore and Budgam also remained below the freezing point, pointing to widespread cold conditions across the Valley.

The Jammu region witnessed comparatively milder weather, with Jammu city recording a minimum of 7.2 degrees Celsius, Katra 7 degrees and Jammu Airport 7.4 degrees. However, colder conditions prevailed in the higher reaches, with Banihal recording minus 2.3 degrees and Bhaderwah minus 1.8 degrees.

The cold spell is likely to persist over the next few days, officials said.