Cloud Cover Brings Slight Relief in Night Temperatures Across J&K, Ladakh

SRINAGAR, Dec 15: Cloud cover provided slight relief in night temperatures across Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh, though cold conditions continued to prevail, with several areas in the Kashmir Valley still recording near-freezing and sub-zero minimum temperatures.

In the Kashmir region, Srinagar recorded a minimum temperature of 1.9 degrees Celsius. Qazigund and Pahalgam settled at 2.2 degrees Celsius each, while Kupwara registered 1.6 degrees, Kokernag 2.4 degrees and Gulmarg 1.0 degree. Pampore recorded 0.5 degree, Srinagar Airport 1.4 degrees, and Awantipora dipped to minus 0.8 degrees Celsius. Shopian also witnessed sub-zero temperatures at minus 0.1 degree.

Other locations recorded Budgam at 1.0 degree, Anantnag 1.3 degrees, Baramulla 0.9 degree, Bandipora 2.7 degrees, Kulgam 2.5 degrees, Ganderbal 2.3 degrees and Sonamarg 1.9 degrees. Data for Pulwama and Zojila Pass was unavailable, while the Zethan Rafiabad weather station remained non-functional.

In the Jammu region, night temperatures were relatively milder. Jammu city recorded a minimum of 11.4 degrees Celsius, while Jammu Airport registered 11.6 degrees. Banihal recorded 3.1 degrees, Batote and Ramban 8.3 degrees each, Katra 10.7 degrees, Bhaderwah 4.6 degrees, Kathua 9.4 degrees, and Udhampur and Samba recorded 7.2 degrees each. Rajouri settled at 5.4 degrees, Kishtwar at 8.0 degrees and Reasi at 9.6 degrees, while data for Doda was not available.

Ladakh continued to experience freezing conditions, with Leh recording a minimum temperature of minus 1.8 degrees Celsius, Kargil minus 1.2 degrees and Nubra Valley minus 0.1 degree.

Weather officials said cloud cover over parts of the Valley led to a marginal improvement in night temperatures, but advised residents, especially in colder areas, to take necessary precautions as winter conditions continue to intensify across the region.