Jammu Kashmir experienced a sharp dip in temperatures today as the cold wave continued to tighten its grip across the region.
In the Kashmir Valley, the mercury plummeted to sub-zero levels in most areas, with Zojila recording the lowest temperature at a bone-chilling -17.0°C.
In Srinagar, the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir, the minimum temperature was recorded at -2.0°C, while tourist hotspots such as Gulmarg and Pahalgam witnessed -3.5°C and -4.8°C, respectively. Sonamarg followed closely at -3.7°C, and Anantnag shivered at -3.9°C.
Kupwara, Bandipora, and Pulwama also reported biting cold conditions with temperatures dipping to -1.2°C, -2.3°C, and -4.7°C, respectively.
Meanwhile, Kokernag stayed slightly above freezing at 0.4°C, providing a rare respite in the valley.
In the Jammu region, the plains remained relatively warm compared to Kashmir, with Jammu city recording a minimum temperature of 8.4°C and Katra at 10.0°C.
However, higher-altitude areas such as Padder reported sub-zero temperatures of -3.5°C, while Bhaderwah experienced a cold 1.4°C.
Ladakh also recorded severe cold conditions, with Leh and Kargil registering -8.8°C and -7.9°C, respectively. The coldest recorded temperature in the region was in Zojila, at an extreme -17.0°C.
The biting cold has led to an increase in frost formation on roads, posing challenges for commuters, especially in upper reaches and rural areas.
Authorities have urged residents to take precautions against the freezing weather as temperatures are likely to drop further in the coming days.