Winter’s grip tightens

Srinagar, Dec 23: The sub-zero temperatures have led to the freezing of water supply lines and the formation of a thin layer of ice on the surface of several water bodies.

The Meteorological Department on Monday urged tourists and travellers in Kashmir to adhere to advisories issued by the Traffic Police due to sub-freezing temperatures and icy road conditions in the region’s higher reaches.

Srinagar recorded a low of minus 3.6 degrees Celsius on Sunday night, a rise of nearly four degrees compared to the previous night, MeT officials said here.

Pahalgam health resort in south Kashmir registered a minimum temperature of minus 5 degrees Celsius, remaining nearly unchanged from the previous night.

Gulmarg ski resort in north Kashmir experienced a slight dip in night temperatures, with the mercury settling at minus 4.8 degrees Celsius.

In Qazigund, the gateway town to Kashmir, the minimum temperature was recorded at minus 4.8 degrees Celsius.

Konibal, a hamlet in Pampore, recorded a minimum of minus 6 degrees Celsius.

The MeT has forecast a further dip of 2 to 3 degrees in minimum temperatures over the next 48 hours.

“In view of sub-freezing temperatures and icy road conditions in higher reaches, tourists and travellers are advised to follow the administration’s advisory,” the MeT officials said.

In south Kashmir, Qazigund recorded minus 4.8 degrees Celsius, Pahalgam minus 5 degrees Celsius, Kokernag minus 4 degrees Celsius, Pulwama minus 6 degrees Celsius, Anantnag minus 6.1 degrees Celsius, Khudwani minus 5 degrees Celsius, Kulgam minus 4.9 degrees Celsius, Shopian minus 7.3 degrees Celsius, and Larnoo recorded minus 6.4 degrees Celsius.

In north Kashmir, Kupwara recorded minus 4.3 degrees Celsius, Bandipora minus 4.4 degrees Celsius, and Baramulla minus 3.4 degrees Celsius.

Central Kashmir’s Budgam recorded minus 4.8 degrees Celsius, Sonamarg minus 5.1 degrees Celsius, and Ganderbal minus 4.2 degrees Celsius.

In the Jammu region, Jammu city recorded a relatively mild minimum temperature of 6.7 degrees Celsius.

Banihal recorded minus 1.7 degrees Celsius, Batote 2.5 degrees Celsius, Katra 7 degrees Celsius, Bhaderwah minus 0.4 degrees Celsius, Kishtwar 2.7 degrees Celsius, Padder minus 6.8 degrees Celsius, Ramban 5.1 degrees Celsius, Poonch 3.6 degrees Celsius, Rajouri 2.9 degrees Celsius, Samba 4.7 degrees Celsius, Kathua 7.4 degrees Celsius, Reasi 3.7 degrees Celsius, and Udhampur 2.8 degrees Celsius.

In Ladakh, the cold wave intensified further.

Leh recorded a low of minus 9.2 degrees Celsius, while Kargil shivered at minus 9.5 degrees Celsius.

The freezing temperatures in both J&K and Ladakh have created challenging conditions for residents and travellers alike.

Minimum Temperatures

Kashmir

Shopian: -7.3°C

Larnoo: -6.4°C

Anantnag: -6.1°C

Konibal: -6°C

Pulwama: -6°C

Sonamarg: -5.1°C

Pahalgam: -5°C

Khudwani: -5°C

Kulgam: -4.9°C

Gulmarg: -4.8°C

Qazigund: -4.8°C

Budgam: -4.8°C

Bandipora: -4.4°C

Kupwara: -4.3°C

Ganderbal: -4.2°C

Kokernag: -4.0°C

Srinagar: -3.6°C

Baramulla: -3.4°C

Jammu

Padder: -6.8°C

Banihal: -1.7°C

Bhaderwah: -0.4°C

Udhampur: 2.8°C

Rajouri: 2.9°C

Kishtwar: 2.7°C

Batote: 2.5°C

Reasi: 3.7°C

Samba: 4.7°C

Poonch: 3.6°C

Ramban: 5.1°C

Jammu City: 6.7°C

Katra: 7°C

Kathua: 7.4°C

Ladakh

Kargil: -9.5°C

Leh: -9.2°C

Maximum Temperatures

Kashmir

Bandipora: 1.7°C

Gulmarg: 1.8°C

Ganderbal: 2.6°C

Budgam: 2.6°C

Srinagar: 2.8°C

Pulwama: 2.9°C

Sonamarg: 2.9°C

Qazigund: 3°C

Anantnag: 3.1°C

Khudwani: 3.2°C

Kulgam: 3.4°C

Shopian: 3.6°C

Kokernag: 3.6°C

Pahalgam: 4°C

Kupwara: 4°C

Baramulla: 4°C

Larnoo: 5°C

Jammu

Padder: 3.1°C

Kishtwar: 7.2°C

Bhaderwah: 8.4°C

Banihal: 8.4°C

Batote: 9.7°C

Poonch: 11.5°C

Rajouri: 12.1°C

Katra: 12.8°C

Udhampur: 13°C

Reasi: 13.3°C

Jammu City: 15°C

Kathua: 16.1°C

Samba: 16.8°C

Ladakh

Leh: -1.8°C

Kargil: -0.6°C