Srinagar, Jan 15: The northern regions of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh are reeling under severe cold conditions, with temperatures dipping well below freezing in most areas. Drass, often referred to as the “coldest inhabited place in India, recorded a bone-chilling low of -22.0°C, making it the coldest place in the region.
Kashmir Region
The Kashmir Valley remains in the grip of freezing weather, with popular tourist destinations and residential areas alike experiencing harsh conditions.
• Sonamarg: -9.3°C
• Pahalgam: -8.4°C
• Gulmarg: -7.4°C
• Shopian: -7.9°C
• Larnoo: -8.8°C
• Srinagar: -4.8°C
Other towns like Pulwama (-5.8°C) and Khudwani (-6.6°C) are also experiencing severe cold.
Jammu Region
While the plains of Jammu offer some relief, with Jammu city recording a minimum temperature of 6.0°C, the higher reaches are much colder.
• Banihal: -1.5°C
• Padder: -8.1°C
• Bhaderwah: -0.7°C
• Rajouri: 1.5°C
Hill stations like Batote (2.1°C) and Katra (6.8°C) also recorded cool conditions.
Ladakh Region
The Ladakh region continues to face extreme temperatures.
• Kargil: -13.7°C
• Leh: -12.2°C
The biting cold is expected to intensify in the coming days, with dry weather adding to the discomfort. Residents and travelers are advised to take precautions against frostbite and ensure proper heating arrangements.
The harsh winter conditions have underscored the resilience of the people in these regions as they prepare for even colder temperatures in the weeks ahead.(QNS)
