SRINAGAR: The winter chill tightened its grip over Jammu and Kashmir with Srinagar recording the coldest night of the season at minus 3.2°C on Sunday, the Meteorological Department reported today.
The biting cold was felt across the Valley as temperatures fell sharply overnight. In south Kashmir, Pulwama slipped to -5.0°C and Shopian hit -5.1°C, making them among the coldest places in the region. Higher reaches remained in deep freeze, with Zojila experiencing an extreme -16.0°C.
Tourist destinations were no exception to the chill. Pahalgam settled at -4.0°C, while Gulmarg saw the mercury dip to -1.9°C. North and central Kashmir also reeled under freezing conditions — Kupwara and Awantipora both recorded -3.2°C, Budgam -3.4°C, Baramulla -4.6°C, and Pampore -4.5°C. The airport vicinity in Srinagar registered -3.6°C, adding to travel discomfort early morning.
In the Jammu region, residents witnessed a stark contrast between plains and upper hills. While Jammu city recorded 10.0°C, Katra and Kathua logged 9.2°C each. But higher elevations remained much colder — Banihal stood at -1.2°C, Bhaderwah at 0.5°C, and Rajouri settled at 3.3°C.
Ladakh continued its severe winter streak as temperatures plunged further. Leh recorded -8.2°C and Kargil -8.6°C. The icy winds of Drass pushed the mercury down to -10.3°C, while Nyoma reported -11.8°C. Nubra (-6.6°C) and Padum (-9.3°C) also remained deeply frozen.
The MeT office has predicted mainly dry weather across Kashmir in the coming days. Though a partly cloudy spell on December 2 and 3 may slightly improve night temperatures, officials say no major relief from the cold is expected.
With the approach of Chilla-i-Kalan — the harsh 40-day peak of winter beginning December 21 — the region is likely to witness further dip in temperatures, intensifying the seasonal chill for residents and travelers alike.
