Srinagar, Nov 30: A severe cold wave gripped Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh on Saturday as night temperatures plunged sharply across both Union Territories, with many weather stations recording sub-zero conditions and several places dipping far below the freezing mark.
In the Kashmir Valley, Srinagar endured another frigid night with the minimum temperature settling at –4.4°C, adding to the ongoing stretch of icy mornings. Many other areas witnessed an even deeper chill — Pahalgam recorded –5.6°C, Kupwara –5.0°C, while Pampore and Anantnag touched –6.0°C.
Shopian emerged as the coldest in the Valley at –6.6°C, closely followed by Baramulla at –6.4°C. Gulmarg, the famous skiing resort, remained relatively milder but still sub-zero at –1.4°C. In south Kashmir, Qazigund settled at –3.0°C, and Awantipora at –4.4°C. Higher reaches froze under extreme temperatures, with Zojila Pass plummeting to –15.0°C, while Zethan Rafiabad logged –5.5°C.
In the Jammu region, winter tightened its grip as Jammu city recorded 8.8°C. High-altitude areas remained much colder — Banihal registered –0.7°C, Bhaderwah 0.3°C, and Samba 1.9°C. Rajouri and Udhampur shivered at 1.5°C and 3.0°C, respectively. Other stations, including Batote (4.5°C), Ramban (4.2°C), Kishtwar (4.0°C), Reasi (6.4°C), Doda (4.5°C) and Kathua (7.4°C), also reported moderate cold, while Jammu Airport registered 8.3°C.
In Ladakh, the cold wave was far more intense. Nyoma recorded the lowest temperature at –16.3°C, making it one of the coldest spots in the region. Drass (–12.4°C), Padum (–12.6°C), Tangste (–12.7°C), Upshi (–12.8°C), and Chuchot (–10.9°C) also remained under deep freeze. Leh settled at –9.2°C, while Kargil recorded –8.5°C.
Other stations across Ladakh — including Nubra Valley (–8.6°C), Stakna (–9.8°C), Khaltse (–8.1°C) and Garkone (–2.7°C) — continued to witness severe cold conditions.
Meteorologists said the cold wave is expected to persist, with clearer skies likely to drive temperatures further down in the coming days. (KDC)
