Kashmir, Ladakh witness freezing temperatures

Srinagar, Nov 28: The cold wave has gripped Kashmir and Ladakh, with most areas experiencing sub-zero temperatures even as Srinagar recorded its coldest night of the season so far, with the temperature dropping to minus 2.1 degrees Celsius.

In south Kashmir, Shopian was the coldest place, recording minus 5.5 degrees Celsius, followed by Pahalgam at minus 5 degrees Celsius and Anantnag at minus 5.1 degrees Celsius.

Pulwama also felt the chill at minus 4.8 degrees Celsius, while Kulgam remained at 0 degrees Celsius for the third consecutive night.

North Kashmir experienced similar freezing conditions, with Bandipora at minus 3.3 degrees Celsius, Baramulla at minus 3.2

degrees Celsius, and Kupwara at minus 2.3 degrees Celsius.

In central Kashmir, Ganderbal matched Srinagar’s low of minus 2.1 degrees Celsius, while Budgam shivered at minus 3.6 degrees Celsius.

Tourist spots like Gulmarg and Sonamarg also recorded icy temperatures of minus 2.5 degrees Celsius and minus 3.4 degrees Celsius.

The cold was even harsher in Ladakh.

Nyoma recorded the lowest temperature of minus 14.2 degrees Celsius, followed by Stakna at minus 13.4 degrees Celsius, Tangste at minus 12.8 degrees Celsius, and Drass at minus 12.2 degrees Celsius.

Leh and Kargil recorded lows of minus 8.8 degrees Celsius and minus 8.3 degrees Celsius.

Jammu saw a comparatively warmer minimum temperature of 10.1 degrees Celsius, with Kathua slightly higher at 10.2 degrees Celsius.

Other places, like Katra, recorded 9.2 degrees Celsius and Banihal 8.7 degrees Celsius reported cooler nights.

However, Bhaderwah was the coldest in the Jammu region at 1.2 degrees Celsius.

The Meteorological Department (MeT) has predicted dry and clear skies for J&K on Thursday.

However, between November 29 and December 3, moderate rainfall is expected at a few places in Kashmir.

The Jammu division may also experience some rain on December 2 and 3.