Diplomat Correspondent
Jammu, DD: A severe cold wave has tightened its grip over Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh, with temperatures plummeting across the regions.
The harshest conditions were recorded in Zojila, where the mercury dipped to a bone-chilling -25.0°C, making it the coldest place in the region.
In the Kashmir Valley, Srinagar recorded a low of -5.6°C, while tourist destinations such as Pahalgam and Gulmarg shivered at -7.0°C and -5.8°C, respectively. Qazigund and Kupwara recorded minimum temperatures of -5.0°C and -5.2°C, while Kokernag registered the highest in the valley at -2.5°C.
The Jammu region experienced a relatively warmer night, with Jammu city recording 5.4°C, Banihal at 7.8°C, and Katra at 7.5°C. However, Bhaderwah stood out as the coldest in the region with a low of 1.4°C, followed by Batote at 6.0°C.
In Ladakh, the temperatures dropped to extreme lows as Leh recorded -12.5°C, and Kargil experienced an even harsher -14.0°C, further underscoring the severity of the cold wave sweeping the region.
The freezing temperatures have led to frozen water bodies, disrupted daily routines, and increased demand for heating appliances. Authorities have urged residents to take precautions against frostbite and hypothermia while ensuring adequate insulation in homes.
Meanwhile, the weather department predicts no significant change in the cold wave conditions in the coming days, with dry weather expected to persist. Tourists visiting the region are advised to stay prepared for the icy conditions, especially in high-altitude areas like Gulmarg, Pahalgam, and Ladakh.(DD)