A severe cold wave has intensified across Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh, driving temperatures to new lows as the region braces for a prolonged spell of dry frigid weather. Srinagar city shivered at –3.9°C, the coldest night of the season so far, according to data shared by Kashmir Weather.
The icy conditions were even harsher in several south and north Kashmir districts. Shopian remained the coldest in the Valley at –6.2°C, followed closely by Baramulla where the minimum temperature plunged to –5.9°C, and Pulwama which recorded –5.8°C. Popular tourist destinations also reeled under sub-zero temperatures, with Pahalgam touching –4.6°C and Gulmarg settling at 0.0°C.
Across central and north Kashmir, temperatures continued their sharp downward trend, with Budgam (–4.2°C), Bandipora (–4.2°C), Ganderbal (–2.8°C), and Sonamarg (–3.1°C) all recording freezing conditions. At high-altitude locations, the cold was more piercing, particularly at Zojila Pass, which reported an extreme –16.0°C.
In the Jammu region, although conditions were relatively milder, several areas too witnessed a significant dip in mercury. Banihal recorded –0.7°C, Bhaderwah hovered around 0.5°C, and Rajouri dropped to 2.6°C. Jammu city, meanwhile, recorded a minimum of 8.8°C.
The cold wave was more intense in Ladakh, where the mercury remained well below freezing. Kargil dipped to –9.0°C, followed by Leh at –8.2°C and Nubra at –6.8°C, reinforcing the onset of an early winter chill.
As per MeT officials, the temperatures are expected to fall further in the coming days.