Cold Wave Persists Across J&K and Ladakh; Sonamarg Coldest at −8.3°C
Cold conditions continued across Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh on Monday, with several locations in the Kashmir Valley recording sub-zero minimum temperatures, officials said.
According to Kashmir Weather data, Sonamarg emerged as the coldest place in the region, registering a minimum temperature of −8.3°C. The popular ski resort of Gulmarg recorded −3.5°C, while Pahalgam dipped to −1.8°C.
In Srinagar, the city minimum settled at −1.2°C, with the airport area recording a lower temperature of −3.8°C. Other parts of the valley also experienced freezing conditions, including Pulwama (−5.1°C), Shopian (−4.7°C), Anantnag (−3.9°C), and Awantipora (−4.2°C).
Kupwara and Budgam recorded lows of −1.6°C and −2.4°C, respectively, while Baramulla and Bandipora both saw −1.4°C. Pampore registered −4.0°C and Sopore −3.0°C. Comparatively milder temperatures were observed in Kokernag (−0.4°C) and Ganderbal (−0.7°C).
In the Jammu region, minimum temperatures mostly remained above freezing. Jammu city recorded 7.3°C, while Jammu airport saw 8.2°C. Banihal registered a low of 0.7°C, and Bhaderwah dipped slightly below freezing at −0.5°C.
Ladakh continued to experience severe cold, with Hanle recording the lowest temperature at −14.5°C, followed by Leh at −8.0°C and Kargil at −6.6°C.
The Meteorological Department has forecast that cold conditions are likely to persist in the region over the coming days.
