Kashmir feels winter’s early bite

Srinagar, Nov 10: A biting chill swept through Kashmir on Sunday as temperatures dipped below freezing for the first time this season, marking the Valley’s transition into winter.

Pahalgam tourist resort and apple town Shopian shivered at minus 3.2 degrees Celsius, emerging as the coldest spots in the region.

Srinagar, the summer capital, recorded a low of minus 0.1 degrees Celsius, signalling the arrival of frosty mornings and icy winds.

“The early drop in temperature indicates the onset of a cold wave pattern,” a Meteorological Department (MeT) official said. “The temperatures are likely to fall further in the coming days.”

Several other parts of Kashmir also froze overnight.

Kupwara recorded minus 1.2 degrees Celsius, Baramulla and Budgam minus 2.8 degrees Celsius, Pampore minus 2.5 degrees Celsius, and Awantipora minus 1.2 degrees Celsius.

At Srinagar Airport, the mercury touched minus 1.4 degrees Celsius.

Ski resort Gulmarg registered minus 0.2 degrees Celsius.

Kulgam, Bandipora, and Sonamarg reported lows between minus 1.2 degrees Celsius and minus 2.6 degrees Celsius.

In contrast, the Jammu region remained relatively mild, with Jammu city at 11.5 degrees Celsius, Katra and Kathua at 11 degrees Celsius, and the Jammu Airport at 12.4 degrees Celsius.

Banihal was the coldest in the region at 0 degrees Celsius, followed by Bhaderwah at 2.2 degrees Celsius, Batote at 4.6 degrees Celsius, Udhampur at 6.2 degrees Celsius, Rajouri at 4.2 degrees Celsius, and Kishtwar at 4.7 degrees Celsius.

Experts have advised residents, particularly in higher altitudes, to prepare for sub-zero nights and ensure adequate heating arrangements.

“People should take necessary precautions, especially in areas prone to frost and icy roads,” the official said.