Cold wave tightens grip across Kashmir; Sonamarg freezes at minus 10.6°C

Sub-zero temperatures were recorded across most parts of the Kashmir Valley, while Ladakh remained the coldest region

Srinagar: A sharp cold wave continued to sweep across Jammu and Kashmir, with most areas in the Kashmir Valley recording sub-zero minimum temperatures, according to data compiled by Kashmir Weather.

Sonamarg emerged as the coldest spot in the Valley at minus 10.6 degrees Celsius, followed by Gulmarg at minus 9 degrees and Pahalgam at minus 5.3 degrees. Srinagar city recorded a low of 1.3 degrees Celsius, while the Srinagar airport dipped to minus 1.2 degrees. Other areas, including Kupwara (-3.1°C), Shopian (-2.6°C), Baramulla (-1.4°C) and Sopore (-1.0°C) also remained below freezing.

In the Jammu region, temperatures were comparatively higher. Jammu city recorded 9.3 degrees Celsius, Katra 8.4 degrees and Reasi 9.2 degrees. However, hill towns such as Bhaderwah saw sub-zero conditions at minus 1 degree, while Banihal recorded 1.1 degrees. Data for Samba and Poonch was not available.

Ladakh continued to experience extreme cold, with Hanle recording the lowest temperature in the region at minus 16 degrees Celsius. Leh recorded minus 10.4 degrees, while Kargil and Nubra Valley hovered around minus 9 degrees.

The cold conditions are likely to persist in the coming days, particularly in higher reaches, officials said.