Kashmir continues to battle an intense cold wave, with temperatures across the Valley dipping sharply below the freezing point. Srinagar registered the coldest night of the season at –3.2°C, according to the local meteorological department on Monday. The steep drop in temperature has further intensified the ongoing cold spell that has persisted through the region since October.
In south Kashmir, Shopian emerged as the coldest location, recording a bone-chilling –5.1°C, followed by Pulwama, where temperatures settled at –5°C. The famous tourist destination Pahalgam in Anantnag district also witnessed severe cold, with the mercury touching –4°C, while Gulmarg, known for its ski slopes, recorded a minimum of –1.9°C.
At higher altitudes, conditions were even harsher. The strategic Zojila Pass, which connects the Kashmir Valley with Ladakh, registered an extreme low of –16°C, highlighting the severity of the cold wave in the region.
The Valley has been reeling under a prolonged dry spell since October, with no significant precipitation reported over the past several weeks. The Meteorological Department has predicted continued dry weather for the coming week, which may further push temperatures down during the nights.
