Srinagar, Jan 12: A biting cold wave has tightened its grip on the Kashmir Valley, Jammu region, and Ladakh, with many areas witnessing subzero temperatures. Freezing conditions continue to dominate as temperatures dipped significantly overnight in several locations.
Kashmir Valley: Bone-Chilling Nights
The Kashmir region remained in the grip of intense cold, with Shopian emerging as the coldest place at a freezing -6.8°C, closely followed by Larnoo at -6.7°C and Sonamarg at -6.5°C.
• Srinagar, the summer capital, recorded a low of -3.0°C, while Qazigund and Kupwara touched -4.0°C.
• Tourist hotspots Gulmarg (-5.6°C) and Pahalgam (-6.2°C) remained frozen, attracting tourists seeking snow adventures.
• Southern districts like Kulgam (-4.9°C), Khudwani (-4.6°C), and Pulwama (-3.6°C) also shivered under the cold wave.
Jammu Region: Mild Respite
Contrasting the Kashmir Valley, the Jammu region experienced relatively moderate temperatures.
• Jammu recorded the highest minimum temperature of 10.5°C.
• Subzero conditions were reported in Padder (-5.6°C), while places like Bhaderwah (2.5°C), Katra (8.4°C), and Samba (9.1°C) experienced milder cold.
Ladakh: Drass Freezes at -18.2°C
The Ladakh region, known for its harsh winters, saw extreme cold with Drass, the second-coldest inhabited place in the world, plunging to -18.2°C.
• Leh recorded -10.2°C, while Kargil followed closely at -10.0°C.
Impact and Advisory
The severe cold wave has disrupted normal life in many areas, with frost affecting water supply lines in the Valley and Ladakh. Authorities have advised residents to stay indoors during peak nighttime hours and take precautions against frostbite and hypothermia.
Tourists are flocking to the snow-clad regions, with authorities ensuring adequate safety measures for their convenience.
The weather department has forecast dry conditions for the coming days, which could lead to further drops in nighttime temperatures.(QNS)
