TDD Correspondent
Srinagar, TDD,A relentless cold wave has gripped the Kashmir Valley, plunging temperatures across the region into freezing territory.
Srinagar, the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir, recorded a piercing low of -6.6°C, making it one of the chilliest nights of the season.
Shopian emerged as the coldest area in the valley, with temperatures dropping to an icy -8.8°C. Pulwama and Sonamarg also recorded severe lows of -8.5°C each, while the Zojila Pass, known for its unforgiving conditions, hit a bone-numbing -23.0°C, underscoring the extreme winter in higher altitudes.
Other parts of the valley saw significant dips as well, with Pahalgam freezing at -7.8°C, Anantnag touching -8.3°C, and Budgam and Khudwani registering -7.0°C and -7.1°C, respectively. Baramulla recorded a low of -6.0°C, adding to the widespread frost gripping the region.
In the Jammu region, the plains offered some relief, with Jammu city recording 7.6°C. However, colder conditions prevailed in the upper reaches, with Padder at -5.7°C and Banihal at -2.0°C.
The cold extended its icy grip to Ladakh, where Leh recorded a low of -9.2°C, and Kargil witnessed equally biting conditions.
The frigid temperatures have disrupted daily life, freezing water pipes, intensifying frost formation, and adding challenges for residents as they “Chillai Kalan” , 40 days of the harshest winter period starting from December 21 (TDD)