Kashmir valley reels under Cold Wave, Sonamarg coldest at minus 6.2°C

A sharp cold wave continued to prevail across Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh on Tuesday, with most parts of the Kashmir Valley recording sub-zero minimum temperatures, according to data compiled by Kashmir Weather.

In the Kashmir region, Sonamarg emerged as the coldest place, registering a minimum temperature of minus 6.2°C, followed closely by Gulmarg and Pulwama at minus 5.5°C each.

Srinagar city recorded a low of minus 3.4°C, while the Srinagar Airport was colder at minus 4.4°C. Other notable lows included Awantipora (-4.8°C), Shopian (-4.8°C), Pahalgam (-4.0°C), Budgam (-4.3°C) and Anantnag (-4.5°C). Kokernag and Kulgam were the only places in the Valley to record above-freezing minimums at 0.6°C and 1.5°C, respectively.

In the Jammu region, night temperatures remained comparatively higher, though some areas witnessed chilly conditions. Jammu city recorded a minimum of 7.4°C, while Banihal (-1.6°C) and Bhaderwah (-1.2°C) dipped below freezing. Udhampur settled at 0.8°C, Rajouri at 0.6°C, and Samba at 0.4°C. Poonch and Sopore temperatures were not available.

Meanwhile, Ladakh continued to reel under extreme cold, with Hanle recording a bone-chilling minus 13.3°C, while Leh settled at minus 9.0°C.

Meteorological officials said cold weather conditions are likely to persist in the coming days, urging residents to take precautions against the intense cold, especially during night and early morning hours.