Icy Winds Grip Kashmir as Snowfall and Rain Predicted in Parts of Jammu & Kashmir

Srinagar, January 16 : The ongoing cold wave in Kashmir has intensified, with parts of Jammu & Kashmir bracing for rain and snowfall in the coming days due to the influence of a western disturbance, as per the meteorological department.

Frigid Temperatures Across Kashmir

• Srinagar recorded a minimum temperature of -2.5°C, while Qazigund saw the mercury drop to -3.8°C.
• The popular tourist destinations of Pahalgam and Gulmarg recorded -4.2°C and -7.0°C, respectively, while Sonamarg emerged as one of the coldest spots at -7.7°C.
• Other areas like Larnu and Shopian saw temperatures of -5.9°C and -5.6°C.

Key Temperature Highlights

• Kupwara: -1.9°C
• Kokernag: -2.2°C
• Bandipora: -2.0°C
• Ganderbal: -2.3°C
• Baramulla: -1.7°C
• Pulwama: -3.1°C
• Anantnag: -3.7°C
• Kulgam: -4.0°C
• Khudwani: -4.2°C

Relatively Warmer Jammu Region

• Jammu City recorded a minimum of 7.7°C, with Katra slightly higher at 8.0°C.
• Banihal experienced 0.6°C, while Bhaderwah dropped to -0.6°C.
• Padar was the coldest in the Jammu division at -7.2°C.

Other notable regions:

• Batote: 3.5°C
• Kishtwar: 2.4°C
• Ramban: 6.1°C
• Poonch: 2.4°C
• Rajouri: 1.6°C
• Samba: 4.3°C
• Kathua: 7.3°C
• Reasi: 5.8°C
• Udhampur: 4.7°C

Ladakh Freezes Under Intense Cold

• Leh: -11.0°C
• Kargil: -10.0°C
• Drass, known as one of the coldest inhabited places in India, recorded -17.1°C.

Rain and Snowfall Predictions

Independent meteorologist Faizan Arif has forecast rain and snowfall in parts of Doda and Kishtwar districts, along with moderate snowfall in higher-altitude areas of Sonamarg, Gulmarg, Anantnag, Kulgam, and Shopian.

Faizan further noted that the impending western disturbance could bring rain and snowfall to some plains of Jammu & Kashmir, with snowfall likely along the Kargil-Drass axis.

Impact and Precautions

The extreme cold has disrupted daily life in many regions, with residents advised to take necessary precautions. The possibility of snowfall in higher reaches may also affect road connectivity, especially in mountainous areas.