The Diplomat Desk
Srinagar, (TDD): A severe cold wave has swept across Jammu, Kashmir, and Ladakh, plunging temperatures to record lows. Srinagar shivered at -6.0°C last night, marking the coldest night of the season and leaving parts of Dal Lake, the River Jhelum, and other water bodies frozen.
In South Kashmir, Shopian recorded the coldest temperature at -10.2°C, followed by Anantnag (-9.0°C) and Pulwama (-8.4°C). Tourist destinations such as Pahalgam (-6.8°C) and Sonamarg (-7.1°C) also felt the icy grip, as did Budgam (-6.9°C) and Kulgam (-6.6°C).
Though comparatively warmer, the Jammu region also saw temperatures drop significantly. Udhampur recorded 0.1°C, the coldest in the region, followed by Banihal (-1.9°C) and Bhaderwah (-0.6°C). Jammu city settled at 5.1°C, while Reasi (1.4°C) and Poonch (1.1°C) also recorded low temperatures.
In Ladakh, the winter chill intensified, with Kargil recording -13.5°C, the lowest across the region, and Leh at -11.2°C.
The freezing conditions have caused water pipelines to freeze, disrupted daily life, and created frost-covered landscapes. Authorities have issued advisories urging residents to stay warm and take precautions against the harsh cold.
As the cold wave tightens its grip, the region braces for even lower temperatures in the days ahead. (TDD)