No let up in biting cold as J&K, Ladakh records freezing temperatures

at 10:37 am

NVI Correspondent

Srinagar, Dec 15 (NVI): The cold wave continues to grip Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh regions as minimum temperatures plummeted to sub-zero levels in many areas, with some recording the season’s lowest so far.

In the Kashmir region, Zojila Pass experienced bone-chilling temperatures, recording the lowest at -22.0°C, while Shopian, one of the coldest inhabited places, dropped to -6.1°C. Other notable temperatures include Pahalgam at -4.8°C, Pulwama at -5.3°C, and Anantnag at -5.1°C. Srinagar, the summer capital, recorded a minimum of -3.4°C, while tourist destinations like Gulmarg and Sonamarg recorded -3.8°C and -3.4°C, respectively.

In the Jammu region, relatively warmer conditions prevailed, with Jammu city registering 6.6°C, though higher altitudes felt the chill. Banihal recorded 1.8°C, Padder touched 0.3°C, and Samba dipped to 2.2°C. Katra, the base camp for the Vaishno Devi pilgrimage, stood at 8.4°C, the warmest in the region.

The Ladakh region experienced extreme cold, with Kargil at -11.2°C and Leh at -10.5°C, continuing its trend as one of the coldest inhabited areas in India.

The biting cold is expected to persist, with the possibility of further dips in temperature in the coming days. Residents have been advised to take necessary precautions and prepare for frost and icy conditions.

Tourists visiting the region are embracing the cold, with popular destinations like Gulmarg and Sonamarg drawing crowds to witness the snow-covered landscapes. However, the authorities have urged travelers to remain cautious, especially in high-altitude areas.

This sharp drop in temperatures signals the peak of winter in the region as locals brace for harsher days ahead. (News Vibes of India)