Srinagar, Jan 12, KNT: Minimum temperatures across Jammu and Kashmir showed a marginal improvement on Monday, offering limited relief from the intense cold spell, even as sub-zero conditions continued to prevail across most parts of Kashmir. Ladakh remained the coldest region, recording sharply lower night temperatures, while the Jammu region stayed largely above freezing point, barring a few higher reaches.
In Kashmir, almost all weather stations recorded temperatures below zero, underlining the persistence of winter chill despite a slight upward trend compared to previous days. Pulwama emerged as the coldest place in the Valley, registering a minimum temperature of minus 6.5 degrees Celsius, followed by Shopian at minus 5.2 degrees Celsius. Zethan Rafiabad recorded minus 4.5 degrees Celsius, while Sopore settled at minus 4.3 degrees Celsius. Anantnag saw the mercury drop to minus 3.9 degrees Celsius, Kupwara to minus 3.7 degrees Celsius and Beerwah area of Budgam also recorded minus 3.7 degrees Celsius. Srinagar city recorded a low of minus 2.4 degrees Celsius, while the Srinagar Airport dipped further to minus 3.4 degrees Celsius.
Other parts of the Valley, including Pahalgam and Gulmarg, both recorded minus 3.4 degrees Celsius, while Sonamarg settled at minus 2.4 degrees Celsius. Ganderbal and Kulgam remained relatively less cold at minus 1.4 degrees Celsius and minus 1.6 degrees Celsius respectively.
Also Read: GMC Jammu issues cold weather advisory as temperatures dip
Ladakh continued to experience severe cold, with Hanle recording the lowest temperature in the region at minus 15 degrees Celsius. Leh registered minus 10.8 degrees Celsius, Kargil minus 9.3 degrees Celsius and Nubra Valley minus 8.4 degrees Celsius, reflecting the harsh winter conditions typical of the high altitude desert.
In the Jammu region, temperatures stayed largely above freezing, bringing comparatively milder conditions. Jammu city recorded a minimum of 3.4 degrees Celsius, while Jammu Airport settled at 2.9 degrees Celsius. Bhaderwah was the only station in the region to record sub zero temperature at minus 1.2 degrees Celsius. Most other areas, including Katra, Banihal, Batote, Rajouri and Poonch, recorded minimum temperatures between 3 and 5 degrees Celsius.
Meteorological Department said the gradual improvement indicates a slight easing of the cold wave, though continued sub zero temperatures in Kashmir suggest that winter conditions remain firmly in place. [KNT]
