Diplomat Correspondent
Srinagar, (DD): A severe cold wave has engulfed Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh, with Srinagar recording a bitterly cold -4.3°C last night.
Subzero temperatures across the Kashmir valley have disrupted daily life, as the freezing conditions continue to dominate the region.
Pahalgam was the coldest in the Kashmir valley, plunging to -6.6°C, followed by Khudwani at -6.4°C and Sonamarg at -6.1°C. Popular tourist destinations like Gulmarg recorded -5.0°C, while Pulwama reported -5.6°C. Budgam and Shopian both experienced lows of -5.1°C, indicating widespread cold conditions.
In Jammu, temperatures remained above freezing in most areas but dropped significantly. Jammu city recorded 7.0°C, while Banihal and Batote registered 8.0°C and 7.5°C, respectively. However, Padder stood out as one of the coldest spots, recording a subzero temperature of -2.7°C.
In Ladakh, the cold was more intense, with Drass, known as the ‘Gateway to Ladakh,’ recording an icy -22.2°C, the lowest in the region. Kargil and Leh also faced extreme cold, registering -13.3°C and -11.0°C, respectively.
The cold wave has caused parts of water bodies in Srinagar and other parts of Kashmir to freeze, creating scenic winter landscapes but also leading to challenges such as frozen water pipelines and hazardous road conditions.
Residents have been advised to take precautions as temperatures remain dangerously low, with forecasts indicating that the cold wave is likely to persist for the coming days. The authorities have ramped up efforts to minimize disruptions and ensure essential services are maintained.(DD)