Srinagar recorded its coldest night of the season at –3.2°C on Sunday, the Meteorological Department said on Monday. Pahalgam dipped to –4.0°C, while Gulmarg settled at –1.9°C.
The cold wave tightened its grip over South Kashmir as Pulwama touched –5.0°C and Shopian –5.1°C, among the coldest in the region. Higher reaches like Zojila froze at –16.0°C.
In North and Central Kashmir, temperatures stayed well below freezing: Kupwara (–3.2°C), Budgam (–3.4°C), Baramulla (–4.6°C), Awantipora (–3.2°C), Sonamarg (–3.2°C), and Pampore (–4.5°C). Srinagar Airport also registered severe cold at –3.6°C.
In Jammu region, temperatures varied sharply between plains and upper reaches. Jammu city recorded 10.0°C, Katra and Kathua 9.2°C, while Banihal fell to –1.2°C, Bhaderwah to 0.5°C, and Rajouri to 3.3°C.
Ladakh continued to reel under intense cold: Leh (–8.2°C), Kargil (–8.6°C), Drass (–10.3°C), Nyoma (–11.8°C), Nubra (–6.6°C), and Padum (–9.3°C).
The MET Department has forecast dry weather in the coming days, with sub-zero nights expected to persist. Partly cloudy conditions on December 2–3 may bring a slight rise in minimum temperatures.
Kashmir is witnessing a steady decline in temperatures as it approaches Chilla-i-Kalan, the harsh 40-day winter period starting December 21. (Agencies)
