J&K: Night temperatures improve marginally, cold conditions persist

Srinagar, Jan 12: Minimum temperatures across Kashmir recorded a slight improvement last night, even as the Valley continued to reel under intense cold conditions, officials said on Monday

The minimum night temperatures across Jammu and Kashmir showed mixed trends, with readings staying close to normal in many areas of the Valley while remaining below normal in parts of Jammu region.

According to the meteorological department, the minimum temperature was 0–2°C above normal at several places in Kashmir division, offering slight relief from the intense cold.

In contrast, temperatures were recorded 1–4°C below normal at scattered locations in Jammu division, indicating persistent cold conditions there.

The lowest minimum temperature in Kashmir division was recorded at Pulwama at -6.5°C, while Bhaderwah in Jammu division registered –1.2°C, making them the coldest locations in their respective regions during the night.

Despite the marginal variations, cold wave conditions continued to prevail across the union Territory.

Srinagar, the summer capital, recorded a low of –2.4°C, rising nearly three degrees from the previous night’s –5.2°C. Qazigund also saw an increase, with the mercury settling at –3.6°C compared to –5.8°C the night before.

In the famous tourist resort of Pahalgam, the minimum temperature rose to –3.4°C from –7.6°C, while Kupwara in north Kashmir recorded –3.7°C against –5.6°C on the preceding night.

Gulmarg, the popular ski resort, saw the minimum temperature rise to –3.4°C from –6.2°C.

Among south Kashmir districts, Pulwama recorded –6.5°C compared to –7.7°C, and Shopian registered –5.2°C, up from –8.6°C a night earlier. Sonamarg recorded –2.4°C against the previous –4.3°C.

In the Jammu region, night temperatures continued to fluctuate. Jammu city recorded a minimum of 3.4°C, while the famous pilgrimage town of Katra registered 5.0°C. The hilly resort of Bhaderwah remained the coldest in the region at –1.2°C.

In Ladakh, the severe cold conditions persisted. Leh shivered at –10.8°C, while Kargil recorded –9.3°C. The coldest conditions were reported from Drass, where the mercury plunged to –15.5°C.

The Meteorological Department has forecast mainly dry weather across Jammu and Kashmir during the next 24 hours, with a possibility of light rain or snowfall over the higher reaches of the Kashmir division. The subsequent two days are also expected to remain largely dry.

In Ladakh, the weather office has predicted a slight rise in minimum temperatures over the coming days owing to cloud cover, bringing marginal relief from the prevailing intense cold. It has also forecast snowfall at scattered places, particularly over higher peaks and mountain passes, between January 16–17 and again from January 19–22.

The snowfall may lead to the temporary closure of key passes, especially Zojila and Penzila. (Agencies)