Sub-Zero Temperatures Grip Kashmir; Sonamarg Coldest at –8.3°C | Kashmir Life

SRINAGAR: Large parts of Jammu and Kashmir witnessed freezing conditions, with several areas in the Kashmir Valley recording sub-zero minimum temperatures, according to data compiled by Kashmir Weather Watch.

Sonamarg emerged as the coldest location in the Valley, registering a minimum temperature of minus 8.3 degrees Celsius. Pulwama recorded minus 5.1 degrees Celsius, followed by Shopian at minus 4.7 degrees Celsius, Awantipora at minus 4.2 degrees Celsius and Pampore at minus 4.0 degrees Celsius.

In other parts of the Kashmir Division, Anantnag recorded a low of minus 3.9 degrees Celsius, Srinagar Airport minus 3.8 degrees Celsius and Gulmarg minus 3.5 degrees Celsius. Qazigund and Budgam settled at minus 2.4 degrees Celsius each, while Pahalgam recorded minus 1.8 degrees Celsius and Kupwara minus 1.6 degrees Celsius. Srinagar city registered a minimum of minus 1.2 degrees Celsius, Baramulla and Bandipora minus 1.4 degrees Celsius each, Ganderbal minus 0.7 degrees Celsius and Kokernag minus 0.4 degrees Celsius. Temperature data for Kulgam was not available.

The Jammu Division experienced comparatively milder conditions, though some hilly areas dipped close to the freezing point. Jammu city recorded a minimum temperature of 7.3 degrees Celsius, while Jammu Airport settled at 8.2 degrees Celsius. Katra registered 7.5 degrees Celsius and Kathua 5.8 degrees Celsius.

In the higher reaches, Bhaderwah recorded minus 0.5 degrees Celsius, Udhampur 0.4 degrees Celsius and Banihal 0.7 degrees Celsius. Samba recorded 1.2 degrees Celsius, Rajouri 1.8 degrees Celsius and Kishtwar 1.9 degrees Celsius. Ramban settled at 3.1 degrees Celsius, Batote at 3.5 degrees Celsius, Reasi at 4.5 degrees Celsius and Poonch at 6.5 degrees Celsius. Temperature data for Doda was not available.

In the Union Territory of Ladakh, intense cold conditions continued, with Hanle recording the lowest minimum temperature at minus 14.5 degrees Celsius. Leh registered minus 8.0 degrees Celsius, Kargil minus 6.6 degrees Celsius and Nubra Valley minus 6.1 degrees Celsius.

Meteorological officials said the prevailing cold conditions are typical for this period of winter, with further fluctuations expected depending on cloud cover and approaching weather systems.