Cold wave conditions intensified across Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh on Sunday as most stations recorded sub-zero night temperatures, with Drass and Nyoma remaining among the coldest in the region, according to weather data compiled by Kashmir Weather.
In the Kashmir Valley, Shopian recorded the lowest minimum temperature at minus 6.6°C, followed by Baramulla at minus 6.4°C and Anantnag and Pampore at minus 6.0°C.
Srinagar, the summer capital, settled at minus 4.4°C, while the ski resort Gulmarg recorded minus 1.4°C. Pahalgam registered minus 5.6°C and Kupwara minus 5.0°C. Zojila Pass witnessed harsh conditions with temperatures dropping to minus 15.0°C.
In the Jammu division, temperatures largely remained above the freezing point except in a few districts. Jammu recorded a minimum of 8.8°C, Katra 9.0°C, and the Jammu Airport 8.3°C. Banihal was the coldest in the division at minus 0.7°C, followed by Udhampur at 3.0°C and Rajouri at 1.5°C. Samba settled at 1.9°C, and Bhaderwah at 0.3°C.
The cold strengthened further across Ladakh, where most stations recorded extreme sub-zero temperatures.
Nyoma reported the lowest minimum at minus 16.3°C, followed by Upshi at minus 12.8°C, Tangste at minus 12.7°C and Padum at minus 12.6°C.
Drass registered minus 12.4°C, while Leh settled at minus 9.2°C and Kargil at minus 8.5°C.
The continued temperature dip has resulted in freezing conditions in several upper-reaches and vulnerable areas.
Meanwhile, authorities have advised residents to exercise caution during early morning and night hours.(KNS).
