NVI Correspondent
Srinagar, Dec 14 (NVI): A relentless cold wave has tightened its grip over Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh with falling temperatures disrupting daily life.
Sub-zero temperatures have turned much of the Valley into a frozen expanse, with residents battling frost and icy conditions as winter’s chill deepens.
The Kashmir is bearing the brunt of the severe cold. Sonamarg recorded the lowest temperature at a bone-chilling -9.6°C, while Pahalgam and Gulmarg followed closely at -8.4°C and -7.6°C, respectively.
Even Srinagar, the summer capital, saw mercury dipping to -4.6°C, marking one of the season’s coldest nights. The freezing conditions have left water supply lines frozen and roads treacherous, forcing residents to take extra precautions. Other districts, including Pulwama (-7.9°C), Anantnag (-7.7°C), and Larnoo (-7.8°C), have also been gripped by intense cold.
Known for its relatively milder winters, the Jammu region is also feeling the chill. Jammu city recorded a low of 3.6°C, while Samba and Udhampur experienced near-freezing temperatures at 0.4°C and 0.7°C, respectively. The hill towns of Bhaderwah and Banihal recorded -0.6°C and 4.9°C, adding to the icy conditions.
However, Ramban stood out with an unusually warm 14.0°C, providing some relief from the cold wave. In contrast, districts like Reasi (2.7°C) and Kathua (4.4°C) remained cold, highlighting the region’s diverse climatic conditions.
The Ladakh region witnessed some of the harshest temperatures, with Kargil recording an icy -14.3°C—the lowest in the region. Leh followed closely at -13.0°C, while Drass, known as one of the coldest inhabited places in the world, likely experienced even colder conditions, though official data was unavailable.
The freezing temperatures have severely impacted daily life, particularly in Kashmir and Ladakh. Frozen water pipes, icy roads and power outages have become common, forcing residents to rely on traditional heating methods. In Jammu’s plains, the cold has driven up demand for heating equipment, woolens and blankets, while frost poses challenges for farmers, affecting crops and livestock.
The Meteorological Department has forecast that the current cold wave is likely to persist, with no wet spell expected until at least December 20. (News Vibes of India)
