NVI Correspondent
Srinagar, Dec 26 (NVI): The cold wave tightened its grip across Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh today with minimum temperatures plunging below freezing in most areas, disrupting daily life and intensifying the winter chill.
In the Kashmir Valley, Srinagar recorded a bone-chilling low of -7.0°C, one of the coldest nights of the season so far, matching Qazigund’s temperature. Pulwama, Anantnag, and Shopian were among the coldest areas, each dipping to -9.3°C, while Pahalgam registered -8.6°C and Bandipora hit -7.3°C. The tourist hotspots of Gulmarg and Sonamarg saw freezing lows of -6.0°C and -5.8°C, respectively. The harshest temperature in the region was at Zojila Pass, which recorded an extreme -25.0°C.
In the Jammu region, temperatures were comparatively milder but still dipped significantly in certain areas. Jammu city registered 6.6°C, while the tourist town of Katra remained warmer at 8.0°C. Sub-zero temperatures were recorded in Bhaderwah (-1.1°C) and Padder (-7.7°C), while Udhampur dropped to 1.5°C.
Meanwhile, Ladakh continued to reel under extreme cold. Kargil recorded the lowest temperature at -12.7°C, followed closely by Leh at -12.2°C.
The freezing conditions have disrupted water supply as pipelines froze, particularly in parts of Kashmir and Ladakh. Morning frost has made roads slippery, increasing the risk of accidents. The harsh cold has also forced people to rely on traditional heating methods as power supply remains erratic in some areas.
Tourist destinations like Gulmarg and Pahalgam witnessed an influx of visitors eager to experience the snowfall, which has brought a boost to the local economy. However, the severe cold has added to the challenges faced by daily wage laborers and the homeless, who continue to bear the brunt of the harsh winter.
Authorities have urged residents to take precautions and ensure proper heating arrangements to avoid frostbite and hypothermia. With temperatures expected to remain low, locals and tourists alike are bracing for more challenging days ahead.(News Vibes of India)
