Cold Wave Tightens Grip: Kashmir Records Season’s Lowest, Zojila Drops to –16°C

Srinagar, Nov 26 : Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh reeled under an intensified cold wave on Wednesday as minimum temperatures continued to plunge, with several parts of the Valley slipping well below freezing.

Srinagar recorded –3.9°C, while Baramulla froze at –5.9°C. Shopian remained the coldest in the Valley at –6.2°C, followed by Pulwama (–5.8°C), Pampore and Anantnag (–5.5°C each). Pahalgam touched –4.6°C, Kupwara –4.0°C, and Qazigund –3.4°C. Gulmarg, however, stayed relatively stable at 0.0°C.

The harshest conditions came from Zojila Pass, where temperatures plunged to –16°C, making it one of the coldest points in the region.

In Jammu division, temperatures remained comparatively moderate, with Jammu city and Katra at 8.8°C and 8.5°C. Banihal dipped to –0.7°C, Bhaderwah settled at 0.5°C, and Rajouri stood at 2.6°C. Other major towns—including Udhampur, Ramban, Samba, and Kathua—ranged between 3°C and 8°C.

Ladakh also continued to face severe winter conditions, with Leh at –8.2°C, Kargil at –9.0°C, and Nubra at –6.8°C.