Srinagar, the summer capital of Jammu Kashmir, has experienced a drastic plunge in temperatures, recording a freezing -3.5°C today against the minimum temperature of minus 0.9°C on Monday night.
The chilling cold wave has engulfed the entire region, with several areas in Kashmir Valley, Jammu, and Ladakh witnessing sub-zero temperatures, disrupting daily life and leaving residents battling icy conditions.
In Kashmir, Gulmarg recorded the lowest at -11.5°C, followed by Larnoo at -11.8°C and Shopian at -9.1°C. Pahalgam recorded -8.4°C, while Anantnag, Khudwani, and Kulgam followed with -8.3°C, -8.2°C, and -7.6°C, respectively.
Qazigund froze at -7.5°C, and Sonamarg reported -7.4°C. Other districts such as Pulwama (-6.8°C), Budgam (-4.4°C), Baramulla (-4.0°C), and Ganderbal (-3.4°C) also experienced freezing conditions, while Kupwara was relatively milder at 0.1°C.
The Jammu region, though warmer in comparison, saw cold conditions as well. Jammu city recorded 7.1°C, with areas like Kathua (9.0°C), Samba (7.2°C), and Reasi (7.2°C) witnessing slightly higher minimums.
High-altitude locations such as Banihal (-2.3°C), Padder (-2.6°C), and Bhaderwah (-1.4°C) experienced freezing temperatures, while Batote and Kishtwar recorded 1.5°C and 3.6°C, respectively. Ramban (6.7°C), Poonch (3.0°C), and Rajouri (3.1°C) added to the chilly conditions.
Ladakh bore the brunt of the cold wave, with Zojila recording a staggering -26.0°C, the lowest across the region. Drass followed at -18.4°C, while Kargil and Leh reported -14.0°C and -11.0°C, respectively.
The Meteorological Centre in Srinagar has issued a weather forecast for the coming days.
The weather is expected to remain generally dry on December 30 and 31, with a cold wave persisting at isolated places.
However, two western disturbances (WD) are likely to affect the region starting from January 1.
The first disturbance, expected on January 1 and 2, is likely to bring generally cloudy skies with light snowfall at scattered places during the evening and night of January 1 through the morning of January 2.
A more intense moderate WD is predicted between January 3 and 6, which could result in light to moderate rain in the plains of Jammu snow in many places across J-K, with peak activity anticipated on January 4 and 5.
In light of the anticipated snowfall, sub-freezing temperatures, and icy road conditions, tourists, travelers, and transporters have been advised to follow administrative and traffic advisories.
Authorities have also warned of the possibility of heavy snow in isolated higher reaches during the peak activity on January 4 and 5. Residents are urged to stay prepared for harsh conditions in the days ahead.