Srinagar, Feb 03 (KNS): A severe cold wave has swept through South Kashmir, encompassing regions of Jammu and the picturesque Sonamarg. Larnoo in Kokernag emerged as the coldest area, recording a bone-chilling temperature of -17.7°C, closely followed by Sonamarg at -15.1°C.
Srinagar experienced a sub-zero temperature of -0.3°C, while Qazigund plunged to -9.4°C. Pahalgam witnessed a bitter cold of -11.9°C, with other areas like Kupwara, Kokernag, and Gulmarg reporting temperatures as low as -4.4°C, -9.4°C, and -12.0°C, respectively. Even the usually milder zones such as Anantnag, Ganderbal, Pulwama, Bandipora, Baramulla, Budgam, Kulgam, and Shopian recorded sub-zero temperatures, with Larnoo in Kokernag being the coldest at -17.7°C.
Jammu city experienced a relatively milder 5.7°C, but Banihal, Batote, Bhaderwah, and Udhampur faced more intense cold, with temperatures dropping to -6.8°C, -3.8°C, -5.2°C, and 0.4°C, respectively. Katra, Kathua, Ramban, Reasi, Samba, Poonch, and Rajouri also recorded temperatures ranging from 0.7°C to 5.7°C.
Leh and Kargil in Ladakh reported extremely low temperatures of -9.4°C and -11.5°C, respectively. However, data for Drass is currently not available.
The bone-chilling conditions have prompted authorities to issue advisories, urging people to take necessary precautions. The extreme cold wave is expected to persist, heightening concerns for the well-being of the populace.(KNS)