NVI Correspondent
Srinagar, Dec 16 (NVI): The biting cold continues to grip Jammu, Kashmir, and Ladakh as temperatures across the regions plummeted below freezing point in many areas, with some locations experiencing record lows.
In Kashmir, Shopian emerged as the coldest location, recording a bone-chilling -6.3°C, closely followed by Larnoo (-6.1°C) and Anantnag (-5.5°C). Zojila Pass, known for its harsh winter climate, registered an extreme low of -23.0°C, making it one of the coldest spots in the region.
Srinagar, the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir, recorded -3.4°C, while Gulmarg, a popular ski destination, reported -4.0°C.
The Jammu region experienced relatively milder conditions, but the cold was still felt strongly in higher altitudes. Samba was the coldest at 0.5°C, while Jammu city recorded a minimum of 5.0°C. Banihal (1.0°C) and Bhaderwah (0.9°C) remained among the coldest spots in the region. Katra, the base camp for pilgrims visiting the Vaishno Devi shrine, recorded 6.9°C, the warmest in the region.
In Ladakh, the icy desert lived up to its reputation, with Leh shivering at -8.6°C and Kargil at an even colder -10.6°C.
These frigid conditions have disrupted daily life, with residents bracing for more intense weather as winter deepens. Authorities have advised caution while traveling through higher altitudes, particularly near Zojila, where extreme weather poses significant challenges.
Tourists, meanwhile, continue to flock to places like Gulmarg and Pahalgam, seeking to experience the winter wonderland. The next few days are expected to remain cold, with temperatures dropping further as the Chillai Kalan, the harshest 40-day winter period in Kashmir, approaches (News Vibes of India)
