Srinagar, December 10 (Udaipur Kiran) – The Kashmir Valley experienced severe cold on Tuesday night as minimum temperatures dropped below the freezing point across most areas. Gulmarg recorded the coldest temperature at minus 5.5 degrees Celsius. However, the lowest temperature was noted at Zojila Pass, where the mercury plunged to minus 18.0 degrees Celsius.
According to data from the Kashmir Meteorological Office, Srinagar recorded a minimum temperature of minus 1.9 degrees Celsius, while the outskirts including Srinagar Airport were colder at minus 3.6 degrees Celsius. Other areas such as Kazigund saw temperatures at minus 1.6 degrees, Kokernag at minus 1.8 degrees, Pampore at minus 2.5 degrees, and Budgam at minus 3.0 degrees Celsius.
In South Kashmir, both Anantnag and Bandipora recorded temperatures of minus 2.6 degrees Celsius. Pulwama and Shopian were colder with temperatures at minus 3.7 degrees and minus 4.3 degrees respectively. Pahalgam, one of the coldest tourist destinations, recorded minus 3.6 degrees, while Sonamarg was at minus 1.6 degrees Celsius.
North Kashmir also witnessed a sharp drop in temperatures. Kupwara registered minus 4.2 degrees Celsius, Baramulla minus 4.5 degrees, and Zethan Rafiabad dropped to minus 4.8 degrees Celsius. Some areas like Kulgam and Ganderbal recorded temperatures at minus 0.6 and minus 0.9 degrees Celsius respectively, still below the freezing point.
In Jammu division, temperatures were relatively higher compared to Kashmir. Jammu city recorded 8.4 degrees Celsius, Katra 9.5 degrees, while Batote and Doda had 6.5 degrees Celsius. Samba recorded 3.3 degrees, Rajouri 2.0 degrees, and Bhaderwah 0.8 degrees Celsius. Udhampur and Banihal reported minimum temperatures of 4.8 and 5.4 degrees Celsius respectively.
The cold desert of Ladakh experienced a significant temperature decline as well. Leh recorded minus 5.5 degrees Celsius, Kargil minus 5.1 degrees, and Nubra Valley minus 2.5 degrees Celsius. Meteorologists have warned that cold conditions are expected to intensify in Jammu-Kashmir and Ladakh over the coming days.
(Udaipur Kiran)
Bhupendra Singh Chundawat is a seasoned technology journalist with over 22 years of experience in the media industry. He specializes in covering the global technology landscape, with a deep focus on manufacturing trends and the geopolitical impact on tech companies. Currently serving as the Editor at Udaipur Kiran, his insights are shaped by decades of hands-on reporting and editorial leadership in the fast-evolving world of technology.