Srinagar, Dec 31: A severe cold wave continues to grip the northern regions of Jammu and Kashmir, as well as Ladakh, with temperatures plummeting below freezing in many areas.
Kashmir Region:
The coldest recorded temperature in the Kashmir Valley was at Zojila, which dipped to a bone-chilling -26.0°C. Popular tourist destinations such as Gulmarg and Pahalgam also faced frigid conditions, recording -11.5°C and -8.4°C, respectively.
Meanwhile, Shopian recorded -9.1°C, Anantnag -8.3°C, and Larnoo saw temperatures drop to -11.8°C, highlighting the icy grip over southern Kashmir. Srinagar, the summer capital, registered a low of -3.5°C.
Jammu Region:
Relatively milder conditions prevailed in the Jammu region, but some areas still experienced sub-zero temperatures. Banihal recorded -2.3°C, while Padder was at -2.6°C. The winter capital, Jammu, recorded 7.1°C, while Kathua was the warmest at 9.0°C.
Ladakh:
In Ladakh, temperatures plunged significantly. Drass, often called the coldest inhabited place in India, recorded a freezing -18.4°C, while Kargil and Leh saw temperatures of -14.0°C and -11.0°C, respectively.
The icy weather has disrupted daily life in several areas, with frost-covered roads posing challenges for transportation and a rise in demand for heating supplies. Authorities have urged residents to take necessary precautions during this severe cold spell.(QNS)
