A severe cold wave tightened its grip over Jammu and Kashmir on Tuesday, with temperatures across the Valley and parts of the Jammu region dipping well below freezing. Several areas recorded their coldest night of the season, signalling an early onset of harsh winter conditions.
Srinagar shivered at –2.5°C, marking one of the coldest nights so far this season. Pampore, however, emerged as the coldest location in the Valley at –4.2°C, closely followed by Baramulla (–4.3°C) and Shopian (–5.0°C). Other major stations including Kupwara (–3.1°C), Qazigund (–2.4°C) and Pahalgam (–2.2°C) also recorded sub-zero temperatures. Tourist hotspot Gulmarg hovered around 0.0°C, indicating a continued drop in mercury.
Outlying areas such as Budgam (–3.1°C), Pulwama (–3.8°C), Anantnag (–3.7°C), Ganderbal (–1.8°C), Sonamarg (–0.7°C) and Zethan Rafiabad (–3.5°C) also reported intense cold conditions. Srinagar Airport and Awantipora both touched –3.0°C, adding to travel and early-morning commuting challenges.
In the Jammu region, the chill was equally notable. While Jammu city recorded a relatively mild 8.6°C, higher reaches and northern parts saw temperatures dip sharply. Banihal slipped below freezing at –0.5°C, whereas Bhaderwah (0.9°C), Batote (4.8°C), Samba (2.6°C), Rajouri (2.2°C) and Udhampur (3.6°C) witnessed a steep fall in night temperatures.
The cold was more severe in Ladakh, with Leh freezing at –6.6°C, and Nubra Valley (–5.0°C) and Kargil (–4.8°C) also reporting intense frost.
According to weather officials, dry conditions are expected to persist across the Union Territory, likely extending the ongoing cold wave. Residents have been advised to take precautions as temperatures may dip further in the coming days.
