Srinagar, Jan 24 (QNS): The harsh winter cold continues to tighten its grip on the northern regions of India, with freezing temperatures recorded across the Kashmir Valley, Jammu, and Ladakh. The mercury plummeted to extreme lows in several places, making daily life challenging for residents.
Kashmir: Icy Valleys and Frozen Landscapes
In the Kashmir region, the famous hill station of Gulmarg recorded a chilling -8.5°C, while Pahalgam shivered at -7.0°C. However, the coldest spot was Zojila, which recorded a bone-freezing -28.0°C. Popular tourist destinations like Sonamarg and Shopian also witnessed severe cold, with temperatures of -9.8°C and -4.7°C, respectively.
The regional capital Srinagar recorded a minimum temperature of -3.3°C, while other districts like Bandipora (-3.7°C), Kupwara (-4.0°C), and Pulwama (-4.3°C) also experienced sub-zero temperatures.
Jammu: Relatively Milder Cold in the Plains
The Jammu region experienced relatively milder weather compared to Kashmir. Jammu city recorded 6.1°C, while Katra, the base camp for the Vaishno Devi pilgrimage, registered 8.2°C. However, hilly areas like Bhaderwah and Padder recorded minimums of 0.5°C and -4.4°C, respectively.
Ramban’s temperature remains unconfirmed, while districts such as Samba (2.4°C), Rajouri (2.8°C), and Udhampur (3.6°C) saw moderate cold.
Ladakh: The Land of Extreme Cold
In Ladakh, the winter chill was intense, with Leh and Kargil recording identical temperatures of -11.8°C. Drass, often called the “Second Coldest Inhabited Place on Earth,” lived up to its reputation with a piercing -22.4°C.
Impact on Daily Life
The cold wave has disrupted normal life, with water pipelines frozen and power supplies fluctuating in several areas. Authorities have issued advisories urging people to take precautions and stay indoors to avoid frostbite and hypothermia. Tourists in the region have been advised to follow safety protocols and stay updated about road conditions, especially in snow-prone areas.
Despite the challenges, winter tourism in the region is thriving, with skiers flocking to Gulmarg and adventurers exploring Ladakh’s frozen landscapes.
As temperatures remain low, locals and authorities alike are bracing for continued harsh weather in the coming days.(QNS)
