Srinagar- Sub-zero night temperatures continued across most parts of Kashmir on Monday, while Ladakh remained under severe cold conditions, the Meteorological Department said, forecasting a further dip in minimum temperatures over the coming days.
According to data released by the India Meteorological Department, minimum temperatures across the Valley are expected to fall by 2 to 3 degrees Celsius below normal levels till January 10, intensifying the ongoing cold spell. Thereafter, temperatures are likely to rise gradually by 1 to 2 degrees Celsius.
In Kashmir, Srinagar recorded a minimum temperature of minus 3.6 degrees Celsius, while the city airport also logged the same reading. Qazigund recorded a low of minus 2.0 degrees Celsius, Pahalgam minus 4.8 degrees, and Kupwara minus 1.8 degrees.
Gulmarg, the ski resort in north Kashmir, remained the coldest place in the Valley at minus 8.8 degrees Celsius. Other areas also witnessed freezing conditions, with Kokernag recording minus 1.2 degrees, Pampore minus 2.5 degrees, Awantipora minus 3.2 degrees, Budgam minus 3.5 degrees, Anantnag minus 3.2 degrees, Pulwama minus 4.2 degrees, Shopian minus 5.6 degrees, Baramulla minus 0.7 degrees, Bandipora minus 1.3 degrees, and Zethan Rafiabad minus 3.5 degrees Celsius.
In the Jammu region, relatively milder temperatures prevailed. Jammu city recorded a minimum of 8.7 degrees Celsius, while the airport logged 11.1 degrees. Banihal recorded minus 1.3 degrees, Batote 2.1 degrees, Katra 5.6 degrees, and Bhaderwah minus 2.1 degrees. Kathua recorded 8.4 degrees, Udhampur 6.0 degrees, Ramban 2.7 degrees, Rajouri 1.6 degrees, Kishtwar 2.3 degrees, Reasi 8.3 degrees, and Doda 2.7 degrees Celsius.
Ladakh continued to experience harsher conditions, with Leh recording a minimum temperature of minus 9.6 degrees Celsius, Kargil minus 8.4 degrees, and Nubra Valley minus 7.5 degrees.
The weather advisory said there is a possibility of light snowfall over isolated higher reaches of north and central Kashmir on January 5 and 6. From January 7 to January 18, the weather is expected to remain partly cloudy, while January 19 and 20 may witness generally cloudy conditions.The Meteorological Department has advised residents, particularly in higher reaches, to brace for colder nights over the next few days as the winter chill tightens its grip.
