Kashmir recorded its coldest November night in 18 years on Friday, as temperatures across the Valley and higher reaches dropped sharply, marking the most severe November-end chill since 2007.
According to the Meteorological Department (MeT), Srinagar registered a minimum temperature of –4.8°C, matching the reading recorded on November 28, 2007.
It was Srinagar’s lowest November temperature in nearly two decades.
Kashmir experienced its coldest November spell in nearly two decades, with temperatures across the Valley and higher reaches plunging sharply. The intense chill has been attributed to a prolonged dry spell and clear skies, which enhanced radiational cooling.
The all-time November record for Srinagar remains –7.8°C, set on November 29, 1934. On Friday, Srinagar registered –4.8°C, matching readings last recorded on November 28, 2007. Shopian recorded –6.7°C, Baramulla –5.9°C, Anantnag and Pulwama –6.2°C, Pampore –6°C, and Pahalgam –5.5°C. Budgam and Kupwara recorded –4.8°C, Bandipora –4.9°C, and Ganderbal –3.5°C.
Kupwara experienced its coldest November since 2007, when it touched –5.5°C, while Qazigund in south Kashmir recorded –4.4°C, also the lowest since 2007. Its all-time November low is –8.2°C, set on November 24, 1962.
Tourist destinations were slightly milder, with Gulmarg at –1.4°C and Kokernag at –1.8°C. In north Kashmir, Zethan, Rafiabad recorded –5.3°C. The region’s coldest reading was reported from Zojila Pass at –16°C, disrupting movement along the high-altitude corridor, while Sonamarg settled at –3.8°C.
In Jammu, most areas remained above freezing: Jammu city 9.4°C, Katra and Kathua 8.2°C. Higher-elevation areas recorded sharper dips, including Bhaderwah –0.5°C, Rajouri 1.4°C, Ramban 3.2°C, Batote 3.6°C, Udhampur 3.6°C, Doda 2.9°C, Kishtwar 3.5°C, Reasi 6.4°C, and Banihal 3.6°C.
In Ladakh, Kargil fell to –9.6°C, Leh –8.6°C, and Nubra Valley –8.3°C.
Residents across Kashmir and Ladakh have begun relying on heating appliances, with reports of frozen water pipes from several areas. The Meteorological Department has forecast mainly dry weather for the coming week, though cloudy conditions are expected on December 2 and 3, indicating that cold nights will continue as winter tightens its grip.
