Srinagar, Dec 19: Chill intensified across Jammu and Kashmir on Thursday as most parts of the Kashmir Valley recorded sub-zero night temperatures, while the Jammu region experienced relatively milder conditions.
Srinagar logged a minimum of minus 2.1°C, with Srinagar Airport dipping to minus 3.4°C. Pampore and Shopian registered minus 3.5°C each, Baramulla minus 3.6°C, and Pulwama emerged as the coldest place in the Valley at minus 4.0°C. Other areas below freezing included Kupwara and Anantnag at minus 2.8°C each, Awantipora at minus 2.6°C, Budgam at minus 2.4°C, and Bandipora at minus 2.8°C. Tourist resorts recorded varied temperatures, with Pahalgam at minus 2.6°C, Gulmarg at 1.0°C, Kokernag at 0.5°C, Kulgam at 0.9°C, Ganderbal at minus 0.5°C, and Sonamarg at 0.1°C. Data from Zojila Pass was unavailable, and the Zethan Rafiabad station remained non-functional.
In the Jammu region, Jammu city recorded a minimum of 9.9°C, while Jammu Airport stood at 11.1°C. Banihal registered 3.5°C, Batote 6.7°C, Katra 9.2°C, Bhaderwah 2.3°C, and Kathua 8.8°C. Other areas included Udhampur at 4.2°C, Ramban 5.8°C, Samba 5.4°C, Rajouri 2.4°C, Kishtwar 6.1°C, Reasi 7.8°C, and Doda 6.7°C.
Ladakh also remained frigid, with Leh recording minus 4.6°C, Kargil minus 4.0°C, and Nubra Valley minus 2.6°C.
The meteorological department has forecast rain and snowfall across Jammu and Kashmir from the evening of December 20 until December 23, signaling a possible respite from the current dry cold, but also further challenges for residents in affected areas.