Srinagar, Jan 5 (JKNS): Cold wave conditions continued across Jammu and Kashmir as minimum temperatures dropped below freezing at most places in the Kashmir region during the intervening night of Sunday and Monday, while parts of Ladakh witnessed severe cold with mercury plunging close to minus 10 degrees Celsius, officials said on Monday morning.
As per data compiled by independent weatherman Faizan Arif Running weather Channel Kashmir Weather as per news agency JKNS, Srinagar recorded a minimum temperature of minus 3.6°C, the same as Srinagar Airport.
Pahalgam registered minus 4.8°C, while Gulmarg remained the coldest place in the Valley at minus 8.8°C.
Other areas including Qazigund (-2.0°C), Kupwara (-1.8°C), Kokernag (-1.2°C), Pampore (-2.5°C), Awantipora (-3.2°C), Budgam (-3.5°C), Anantnag (-3.2°C), Pulwama (-4.2°C), Shopian (-5.6°C), Bandipora (-1.3°C), Baramulla (-0.7°C) and Zethan Rafiabad (-3.5°C) also recorded sub-zero temperatures.
In the Jammu region, comparatively milder conditions prevailed. Jammu city recorded a minimum temperature of 8.7°C, while Banihal dipped below freezing at minus 1.3°C. Bhaderwah recorded minus 2.1°C, Batote 2.1°C, Ramban 2.7°C, Rajouri 1.6°C, Kishtwar 2.3°C, Doda 2.7°C, Katra 5.6°C, Udhampur 6.0°C, Reasi 8.3°C and Kathua 8.4°C.
In the Ladakh region, intense cold conditions prevailed with Leh recording a minimum temperature of minus 9.6°C, followed by Kargil at minus 8.4°C and Nubra Valley at minus 7.5°C.
Meanwhile, fresh snowfall was witnessed on Sunday in several higher reaches and tourist destinations.
Gulmarg received around three inches of snow, while Sonamarg recorded about one inch. Snowfall was also reported from Machil, Tulail Valley, Razdan Top, Sadhna Top, Zojila Pass and other high-altitude areas.
Amid the fresh snowfall, Jammu and Kashmir Police, in coordination with the Gulmarg Tourism Department and local transporters, extended timely assistance to tourists and evacuated dozens of vehicles stranded in north Kashmir’s premier tourist destination, Gulmarg.
Reports reaching news agency JKNS said that snowfall made the Gulmarg–Tangmarg road slippery, leading to traffic disruptions and leaving several vehicles stranded along the stretch.
Following the situation, joint assistance teams were promptly deployed at multiple points to ensure smooth evacuation and provide help to stranded commuters. Police and tourism officials, with support from the local transport union, facilitated vehicular movement and assisted tourists in reaching safer locations.
Officials said that SDPO Tangmarg, along with SHO Gulmarg, SHO Kunzer and SHO Tangmarg, personally supervised the rescue operation, deploying men and machinery to clear snow and retrieve stranded vehicles. A tourist cab that had skidded off the road was also successfully rescued, ensuring the safety of all passengers.
Tourists, hoteliers and transporters appreciated the swift and coordinated response of the police and tourism department, lauding their proactive efforts in extending timely assistance amid harsh weather conditions. (JKNS)
