Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh experienced a significant drop in night temperatures on Thursday, with several areas settling below the freezing point, according to official data.
In the Kashmir Valley, Srinagar recorded a minimum temperature of minus 2.9°C, while Qazigund fell to minus 3.2°C. Pahalgam and Kupwara registered minus 4.6°C and minus 4.2°C, respectively. Pulwama and Shopian were the coldest in the valley at minus 5.2°C, followed by Zethan Rafiabad at minus 5.5°C.
The popular ski resort Gulmarg recorded 0°C, and Kokernag settled at minus 1.2°C. Srinagar Airport and Budgam both recorded minus 4°C, while Anantnag touched minus 4°C. Zojila Pass was the coldest in the region at minus 18°C.
In the Jammu region, temperatures remained above freezing. Jammu recorded 8.6°C, Katra 9.5°C, Banihal 2.4°C, Bhaderwah 1.4°C, Rajouri 1°C, Udhampur 2.6°C, while Batote and Ramban recorded 5.7°C and 4.4°C, respectively.
Cold conditions also prevailed in Ladakh, with Leh at minus 7°C, Kargil minus 6.5°C, Drass minus 9.9°C, and Padum minus 9.6°C. Nyoma reported minus 12.8°C, the lowest in the region.
The Weather Office attributed the sharp dip in temperatures to clear skies and prevailing dry weather across the region. (Agencies)
