Srinagar, Jan 8 (JKNS): A severe cold wave continued to grip Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh on Wednesday night, with several places recording the lowest temperatures of the season, officials and weather observers said.
According to data compiled by independent weather channel Kashmir Weather as per news agency JKNS, the Kashmir Valley witnessed intense sub-zero temperatures overnight. Srinagar recorded a low of minus 5.1 degrees Celsius, while the mercury dipped to minus 6.8 degrees Celsius at Srinagar Airport and Pulwama. Pahalgam registered minus 8.6 degrees Celsius, while Gulmarg recorded minus 9.2 degrees Celsius. Sonamarg remained one of the coldest places in the Valley at minus 9.8 degrees Celsius.
Shopian saw the temperature fall to minus 7.8 degrees Celsius, while Anantnag recorded minus 6.3 degrees Celsius. Other places including Qazigund, Kupwara, Budgam, Baramulla, Bandipora, Ganderbal and Awantipora also experienced freezing conditions, with minimum temperatures ranging between minus 4 and minus 6 degrees Celsius.
In the Jammu region, comparatively milder but chilly conditions prevailed, particularly in higher reaches. Jammu city recorded a minimum temperature of 7.1 degrees Celsius, while Jammu Airport registered 7.7 degrees Celsius.
Hill stations and interior areas experienced colder nights, with Bhaderwah recording minus 3.4 degrees Celsius and Rajouri minus 1.0 degree Celsius. Banihal, Batote, Ramban, Udhampur, Doda, Kishtwar and Poonch recorded minimum temperatures between 1 and 4 degrees Celsius, while Katra, Samba, Kathua and Reasi remained relatively warmer.
Ladakh continued to reel under extreme cold, with temperatures plunging far below freezing. Drass recorded a bone-chilling minus 24.7 degrees Celsius, making it one of the coldest places in the region. Nyoma registered minus 20.1 degrees Celsius, while Hanle recorded minus 16.9 degrees Celsius. Leh saw a low of minus 14.6 degrees Celsius, Kargil minus 13.4 degrees Celsius and Nubra Valley minus 12.7 degrees Celsius. Several other areas including Padum, Tangste, Upshi, Chuchot and Stakna also recorded severe sub-zero temperatures.
Meteorological officials said cold wave conditions are likely to persist in the coming days, especially during nights and early mornings, and advised people to take adequate precautions. (JKNS)
