Cold wave continues in Jammu and Kashmir, Zojila Pass records lowest temperature of minus 17.0 degrees Celsius

A cold wave is gripping Jammu and Kashmir, with night temperatures plummeting. The minimum temperature in several areas of the Kashmir Valley dropped below the freezing point. Pulwama was the coldest, recording a low of -4.2 degrees Celsius. Shopian also recorded a low of -3.7 degrees Celsius, indicating a cold wave in southern Kashmir.

In Srinagar, the minimum temperature was recorded at -2.9 degrees Celsius, while the surrounding areas saw temperatures even lower. The Srinagar airport recorded a low of -4.0 degrees Celsius. Qazigund recorded a minimum temperature of -1.6 degrees Celsius, Pampore -2.5 degrees Celsius, Budgam -3.1 degrees Celsius, and Ountipora -3.6 degrees Celsius. Similarly, Baramulla recorded -3.2 degrees Celsius, Bandipora -2.1 degrees Celsius, Kupwara -2.4 degrees Celsius, and Jethra Rafiabad -3.1 degrees Celsius.

Tourist destinations experienced relatively less severe cold, with Pahalgam recording a low of -2.8 degrees Celsius, Sonmarg -0.3 degrees Celsius, and Gulmarg -1.6 degrees Celsius. Kokernag and Kulgam both recorded temperatures just 0.1 degrees Celsius above freezing. Ganderbal recorded a minimum temperature of -1.8 degrees Celsius, while the Zojila Pass froze at -17.0 degrees Celsius, reflecting severe cold in higher areas.

The Jammu region experienced relatively moderate weather. Jammu city recorded a low of 10.3 degrees Celsius, while the Jammu airport saw a slightly higher temperature of 10.9 degrees Celsius. Katra recorded a low of 10.2 degrees Celsius, Kathua and Batote both recorded 8.0 degrees Celsius, and Riasi also recorded 8.0 degrees Celsius. In the hilly districts, Bhaderwah recorded a temperature of 3.6 degrees Celsius, Udhampur 3.4 degrees Celsius, Rajouri 3.8 degrees Celsius, and Banihal 3.8 degrees Celsius.

Meanwhile, severe cold persists in Ladakh, with Leh recording -5.6 degrees Celsius, Kargil -5.2 degrees Celsius, and the Nubra Valley -5.7 degrees Celsius. The Meteorological Department says that no major Western Disturbance is expected in the next few days, and the sky is likely to remain cloudy, resulting in cold and dry weather across the region. They added that there is a possibility of light snowfall in higher areas.