Srinagar, Dec 10(KNS): Large parts of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh witnessed sharp overnight cooling on Wednesday, with several stations in the Valley recording sub-zero temperatures and Zojila Pass plunging to minus 18°C, according to data.

In the Kashmir region, Gulmarg remained the coldest inhabited location at minus 5.5°C, while Kupwara and Shopian recorded minus 4.2°C and minus 4.3°C respectively.

Baramulla touched minus 4.5°C and Zethan Rafiabad dipped to minus 4.8°C. Pahalgam and Srinagar Airport both settled at minus 3.6°C, followed by Budgam at minus 3.0°C and Pampore at minus 2.5°C.

Srinagar, the summer capital, recorded a minimum of minus 1.9°C. Qazigund and Kokernag stood at minus 1.6°C and minus 1.8°C respectively.

Bandipora and Anantnag registered minus 2.6°C each, while Pulwama recorded minus 3.7°C. Kulgam (minus 0.6°C), Ganderbal (minus 0.9°C) and Sonamarg (minus 1.6°C) also remained below freezing.

A sharp drop was also recorded along the higher reaches, with Zojila Pass witnessing one of the coldest readings of the season at minus 18°C.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel

In the Jammu region, temperatures stayed above freezing but dipped compared to previous days.

Jammu city recorded 8.4°C, while Katra stood at 9.5°C. Udhampur recorded 4.8°C and Rajouri 2.0°C. Bhaderwah was the coldest in the region at 0.8°C, while Samba settled at 3.3°C.

Banihal (5.4°C), Batote (6.5°C), Ramban (5.6°C), Doda (6.5°C), Kathua (7.4°C), Reasi (6.4°C) and Kishtwar (6.0°C) also recorded a dip.
In Ladakh, Leh reported a minimum of minus 5.5°C, while Kargil recorded minus 5.1°C. Nubra Valley stood at minus 2.5°C.

The persistent cold has set in even as the Meteorological Department has forecast mainly dry weather over the next few days.

Officials said the absence of cloud cover is allowing night temperatures to fall sharply, a trend expected to continue this week.(KNS)