Srinagar, Jan 14 (KINS):Severe cold conditions continued across Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh as minimum temperatures dipped well below the freezing point at several places, intensifying the winter chill.
In the Kashmir Division, Shopian emerged as the coldest place, recording a minimum temperature of -7.5°C, followed closely by Pulwama (-7.0°C), Anantnag (-6.6°C), Awantipora (-6.4°C) and Kupwara (-6.2°C).
The summer capital Srinagar recorded a minimum of -5.2°C, while the Srinagar Airport and Pahalgam both settled at -6.0°C. Tourist destinations like Gulmarg (-3.8°C) and Sonamarg (-2.2°C) also experienced freezing nights. Other parts including Budgam (-5.4°C), Qazigund (-5.3°C), Pampore (-5.0°C) and Bandipora (-4.5°C) remained under intense cold conditions.
In the Jammu Division, Poonch was the coldest at -7.0°C, while Rajouri recorded -0.6°C. Temperatures in Udhampur (1.0°C), Bhaderwah (0.5°C) and Samba (1.5°C) hovered near the freezing mark. The winter capital Jammu recorded a minimum of 4.0°C, with Jammu Airport at 4.8°C. Relatively milder conditions prevailed in Banihal (5.3°C) and Katra (5.5°C).
Meanwhile, Ladakh continued to reel under extreme cold, with Leh recording a biting -11.4°C, Nubra Valley -10.4°C, and Kargil -10.0°C, making the region one of the coldest in the country.
Meteorological experts say the persistent cold wave conditions are typical for this time of year, urging residents to take precautions against frost and icy conditions, especially during night and early morning hours.(KINS)