Kashmir witnessed an intense cold wave on Tuesday night as minimum temperatures dropped sharply below the freezing point across most regions. The icy grip of winter tightened further with several areas recording their coldest night of the season.
Gulmarg Becomes the Coldest Inhabited Region
The popular ski destination Gulmarg emerged as the coldest inhabited area in the Valley, registering a bone-chilling –5.5°C.
However, the harshest temperature came from the higher reaches. Zojila Pass, known for its unforgiving terrain, recorded a brutal –18.0°C, marking the lowest temperature across Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh.
Srinagar Shivers as Mercury Falls Further
The capital city Srinagar experienced a severe dip, touching –1.9°C, while its outskirts felt even colder. The Srinagar Airport area reached –3.6°C, indicating the widespread severity of the cold wave.
According to data from Kashmir Weather, several central and south Kashmir stations also reported sharp declines:
- Qazigund: –1.6°C
- Kokernag: –1.8°C
- Pampore: –2.5°C
- Budgam: –3.0°C
- Anantnag: –2.6°C
- Bandipora: –2.6°C
- Pulwama: –3.7°C
- Shopian: –4.3°C
Tourist-favorite Pahalgam dropped to –3.6°C, while Sonamarg recorded a minimum of –1.6°C.
North Kashmir Witnesses Steeper Temperature Drops
Northern districts recorded some of the lowest temperatures of the season.
The icy winds pushed Kupwara down to –4.2°C, Baramulla to –4.5°C, and Zethan Rafiabad to –4.8°C, making them among the coldest regions in the Valley.
A few pockets remained relatively less severe—yet still below freezing—with Kulgam at –0.6°C and Ganderbal at –0.9°C.
Jammu Division Stays Warmer but Still Cold
Compared to Kashmir, the Jammu division experienced significantly milder temperatures, though the chill remained evident.
- Jammu City: 8.4°C
- Katra: 9.5°C
- Batote: 6.5°C
- Doda: 6.5°C
- Samba: 3.3°C
- Rajouri: 2.0°C
- Bhaderwah: 0.8°C
- Udhampur: 4.8°C
- Banihal: 5.4°C
While above freezing, these temperatures still indicate a deepening winter across the region.
Ladakh Records Severe Night Temperatures
The cold desert of Ladakh experienced extreme conditions as well.
Leh plunged to –5.5°C, Kargil marked –5.1°C, and the picturesque Nubra Valley recorded –2.5°C, showcasing the region’s typical frigid winter pattern.
Cold Wave Expected to Intensify Further
Meteorologists warned that the cold wave across Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh may intensify in the coming days. With no significant Western Disturbance or major weather system expected, residents should prepare for even colder nights ahead.
The ongoing dry spell could lead to sharper temperature drops, especially in higher altitudes and valley floors. Authorities have urged residents to take necessary precautions and stay updated on daily weather advisories.
