SRINAGAR, Jan 3 — Cold conditions continued across Kashmir and Ladakh on Saturday, with several parts of the Valley recording sub-zero night temperatures, while Ladakh remained in the grip of intense cold, officials said.
In Ladakh, temperatures stayed well below the freezing point. Leh recorded a minimum of minus 10.6 degrees Celsius, while Kargil was colder at minus 11.2 degrees Celsius. Nubra Valley registered a low of minus 8.2 degrees Celsius, officials said.
Across Kashmir valley, freezing nights were reported at multiple locations. Srinagar recorded a minimum temperature of minus 1.5 degrees Celsius, while Srinagar Airport logged minus 2.0 degrees Celsius, according to data compiled by Kashmir Weather.
Gulmarg was the coldest place in the Valley at minus 6.5 degrees Celsius, followed by Pahalgam at minus 5.2 degrees Celsius.
Other parts of south and central Kashmir also witnessed sharp temperature drops. Shopian recorded minus 4.7 degrees Celsius, Pulwama minus 3.9 degrees, Anantnag minus 3.0 degrees and Qazigund minus 2.6 degrees Celsius. Awantipora and Budgam recorded minimum temperatures of minus 2.4 degrees and minus 2.0 degrees Celsius, respectively.
In north Kashmir, Kupwara and Ganderbal both recorded minus 1.6 degrees Celsius, while Kokernag registered minus 0.8 degrees Celsius. Baramulla and Bandipora experienced relatively milder conditions at minus 0.5 degrees and minus 0.2 degrees Celsius, respectively. Kulgam recorded a low of 1.3 degrees Celsius.
The Jammu region remained above freezing, though winter chill persisted, particularly in higher reaches. Jammu city recorded a minimum temperature of 7.9 degrees Celsius, while Jammu Airport logged 8.8 degrees Celsius.
Bhaderwah was the coldest place in the region at minus 1.5 degrees Celsius. Elsewhere, minimum temperatures were recorded at 2.7 degrees Celsius in Banihal, 4.2 degrees in Batote, 5.0 degrees in Udhampur, 3.2 degrees in Rajouri and 3.6 degrees in Kishtwar.
Weather officials said cold conditions are likely to persist over the coming days, especially in higher reaches, with night temperatures expected to remain below normal in several areas.
Meanwhile, Jammu and Kashmir continues to witness largely dry weather during Chillai Kalan, the 40-day harshest winter period that began on December 21. A weak Western Disturbance affected the region two days ago, bringing light rain and snowfall to parts of Kashmir, officials said.
