Intense cold in Kashmir: Srinagar shivers at -4.8°C, Drass coldest at -22.0°C

at 10:58 am

NVI Correspondent

Srinagar, Jan 15(NVI):Srinagar recorded a bone-chilling minimum temperature of -4.8°C today, as the ongoing cold wave continues to intensify across Jammu, Kashmir, and Ladakh.

The freezing temperatures have gripped both urban and rural areas, disrupting daily life and amplifying concerns about essential services during this harsh winter season.

The entire Kashmir region remains in the throes of a severe cold spell. Qazigund was colder than Srinagar at -5.4°C, while Pahalgam and Gulmarg, known for their scenic beauty, froze at -8.4°C and -7.4°C, respectively. Sonamarg emerged as the coldest location in Kashmir, recording an icy -9.3°C. Other districts like Pulwama (-5.8°C), Shopian (-7.9°C), and Larnoo (-8.8°C) are also experiencing severe sub-zero conditions.

Meanwhile, Budgam, Kupwara, Bandipora, Kokernag, and Baramulla reported minimum temperatures between -3.4°C and -4.7°C, leaving no respite from the freezing weather. Reports from Anantnag are yet to come in, but Khudwani recorded a frosty -6.6°C.

In the Jammu region, the plains are comparatively warmer, with Jammu city recording a minimum of 6.0°C, followed by Katra at 6.8°C. However, the upper reaches, including Banihal (-1.5°C), Bhaderwah (-0.7°C), and Padder (-8.1°C), are witnessing sharp drops in temperatures. Ramban, Reasi, and Udhampur recorded lows between 3.4°C and 4.7°C, while Kathua remained slightly warmer at 6.3°C.

Ladakh, known for its harsh winters, is facing extreme cold. Leh recorded -12.2°C, while Kargil plummeted to -13.7°C. Drass, the second coldest inhabited place in the world, remained the coldest in the region at a staggering -22.0°C.

The biting cold has led to frozen water pipes, slippery roads, and disruptions in public transport in several areas. The drop in temperatures has also increased reliance on traditional heating methods, causing a spike in firewood and kerosene demand. Authorities have urged residents to exercise caution, especially during nighttime and early mornings when roads are most prone to frost.

The Meteorological Department has predicted no significant weather disturbances over the coming days, but the mercury is expected to dip further in some areas. Residents across Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh are advised to stay warm and take necessary precautions against the cold. (News Vibes of India)