Srinagar freezes at -4.3°C as cold wave grips J&K, Ladakh

at 10:39 am

NVI Correspondent

Srinagar, Jan 28(NVI): The intense cold wave continues to grip Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh, with Srinagar recording a freezing -4.3°C last night.

The chilly conditions have impacted daily life, especially in the Kashmir region, where subzero temperatures were reported across most areas.

In Kashmir, Pahalgam emerged as one of the coldest spots, recording a bone-chilling -6.6°C, followed closely by Khudwani at -6.4°C and Sonamarg at -6.1°C. Gulmarg, a popular tourist destination, registered -5.0°C, while Pulwama shivered at -5.6°C. Even areas like Budgam and Shopian recorded lows of -5.1°C, highlighting the widespread impact of the cold spell.

In the Jammu region, temperatures were relatively milder but still saw a significant dip. Jammu city recorded 7.0°C, while Banihal and Batote reported 8.0°C and 7.5°C, respectively. However, Padder stood out with a subzero temperature of -2.7°C, marking it as one of the coldest spots in Jammu.

The harshest conditions were recorded in Ladakh, where Drass, often referred to as the ‘Gateway to Ladakh,’ registered a frigid -22.2°C, making it the coldest location in the region. Kargil and Leh also experienced extreme cold at -13.3°C and -11.0°C, respectively.

The biting cold has caused water bodies in Srinagar and other parts of Kashmir to partially freeze, adding to the picturesque winter landscapes. However, it has also brought challenges, including freezing water pipelines and slippery roads, impacting daily activities and travel.

Authorities have urged residents to take precautions, especially in areas experiencing extreme temperatures. Meanwhile, the cold wave is expected to persist, with forecasts predicting little relief in the coming days.(News Vibes of India)