Temperature in Kashmir drops below zero, Leh freezes at -10.6 degrees Celsius, cold wave intensifies

Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh witnessed chilly weather on the week's day. Several areas in the Kashmir Valley recorded sub-zero temperatures overnight, while Ladakh remained extremely cold. The temperature in Ladakh stayed several notches below the freezing point, with Leh recording a low of -10.6 degrees Celsius. Kargil was even colder at -11.2 degrees Celsius, while the Nobra Valley recorded a minimum temperature of -8.2 degrees Celsius. Several places in Kashmir recorded sub-zero nights. According to the data compiled by the Kashmir meteorological department, Srinagar recorded a minimum temperature of -1.5 degrees Celsius, while the Srinagar airport recorded a temperature of -2.0 degrees Celsius. Gulmarg was the coldest place in the valley at -6.5 degrees Celsius, followed by Pahalgam at -5.2 degrees Celsius. Other areas in southern and central Kashmir also witnessed a sharp decline in temperature. Shopian recorded -4.7 degrees Celsius, Pulwama -3.9 degrees Celsius, Anantnag -3.0 degrees Celsius, and Qazigund -2.6 degrees Celsius. Udhampur and Budgam recorded -2.4 degrees Celsius and -2.0 degrees Celsius, respectively.
In northern Kashmir, both Kupwara and Ganderbal recorded a minimum temperature of -1.6 degrees Celsius, while Kokernag recorded -0.8 degrees Celsius. Baramulla and Bandipora recorded relatively moderate temperatures, at -0.5 degrees Celsius and -0.2 degrees Celsius, respectively, while Kulgam recorded a minimum temperature of 1.3 degrees Celsius.
The Jammu region recorded temperatures above Jammu, although the cold persisted, especially in higher areas. The city recorded a minimum temperature of 7.9 degrees Celsius, while the Jammu airport recorded a minimum temperature of 8.8 degrees Celsius. Bhaderwah was the coldest place in the region, recording a minimum temperature of -1.5 degrees Celsius. Besides, Banihal recorded a minimum temperature of 2.7 degrees Celsius, Batote 4.2 degrees, Kathua 5.0 degrees, Rajouri 3.2 degrees, and Kishtwar 3.6 degrees.
The meteorological department officials said that there is a possibility of cold wave conditions persisting in the coming days, especially in hilly areas. Night temperatures in several areas are expected to remain below normal. Meanwhile, the weather remained largely dry in Jammu and Kashmir during the Chillai Kalan period, which is the 40-day harshest winter period that started on December 21 last year. Officials said that a weak western disturbance had affected the Union Territory two days ago, resulting in light rain and snowfall in some parts of Kashmir.