Kashmir Continues to Shiver as Shopian Hits –5°C | Kashmir Life

SRINAGAR: Kashmir and Ladakh recorded widespread sub-zero temperatures, with several areas plunging well below freezing as an early cold wave grips the region.

Shopian registered the lowest temperature in Kashmir at –5.0°C, followed by Pulwama at –3.8°C, Baramulla at –4.3°C, and Pampore at –4.2°C. Anantnag fell to –3.7°C, while Bandipora, Budgam, and Kupwara recorded –3.1°C each. Srinagar dropped to –2.5°C, with Srinagar Airport and Awantipora at –3.0°C. Northern parts such as Zethan Rafiabad saw –3.5°C, and Gulmarg remained at the freezing point of 0.0°C. Other areas, including Sonamarg and Kokernag, reported –0.7°C and –0.6°C respectively. Qazigund and Pahalgam recorded –2.4°C and –2.2°C, while Ganderbal settled at –1.8°C.

In Jammu, temperatures were higher, with Jammu at 8.6°C, Katra at 8.5°C, Kathua at 8.2°C, and Jammu Airport at 9.0°C. Banihal and Bhaderwah hovered near freezing at –0.5°C and 0.9°C, while other districts including Udhampur, Ramban, Samba, Rajouri, Kishtwar, Reasi, and Doda experienced temperatures ranging from 2.2°C to 6.5°C.

Ladakh recorded the coldest temperatures in the region, with Leh at –6.6°C, Kargil at –4.8°C, and Nubra Valley at –5.0°C.

Kashmir valley is witnessing an early cold wave this year prompting the government to close schools for winter vacation. The valley is bracing for the 40-day harshest winter period locally known as ‘Chilai Kalan’, which begins on December 21.