Kashmir Shivers as Temperatures Dip Below Freezing Across Valley

SRINAGAR: The Kashmir Valley continued to reel under intense cold conditions, with several areas recording sub-zero temperatures, signalling the onset of winter’s first severe cold spell.

According to data compiled by Kashmir Weather, Pahalgam and Shopian were the coldest locations in the region, both recording a minimum temperature of -3.2°C, while Srinagar registered -0.1°C. Other stations also experienced freezing conditions, including Qazigund (-0.9°C), Kupwara (-1.2°C), Budgam (-2.8°C), Baramulla (-2.8°C), and Sonamarg (-2.6°C).

Pampore (-2.5°C) and Bandipora (-2.0°C) also witnessed a sharp fall in temperatures, while Kokernag (1.4°C) remained among the few areas above the freezing point.

In the Jammu region, temperatures were relatively mild, with Jammu City recording 11.5°C and Katra and Kathua both at 11.0°C. However, higher-altitude areas such as Banihal (0.0°C), Bhaderwah (2.2°C), and Batote (4.6°C) experienced cold weather conditions.

Meteorological officials said the clear night skies and dry weather contributed to the significant dip in minimum temperatures, and similar conditions are likely to persist in the coming days.