Srinagar, Dec 5(KNS): Night temperatures recorded a marked improvement across Jammu and Kashmir on Friday, with most stations in the Valley and the Jammu region witnessing a rise from the previous nights, though sub-zero conditions persisted in several higher reaches, according to data compiled by Kashmir Weather.

In the Kashmir Valley, Srinagar settled at 0.4°C, showing a sharp rise after days of freezing nights. Qazigund recorded -0.2°C, while tourist destinations Pahalgam and Gulmarg stood at -1.8°C and 0.0°C, respectively. Kupwara registered 0.2°C, and Kokernag 0.8°C.

Some southern and central Kashmir districts, however, continued to remain below freezing, including Pampore (-3.0°C), Pulwama (-2.6°C), Shopian (-2.5°C), Anantnag (-1.3°C) and Budgam (-0.6°C).

Srinagar Airport and Awantipora were also below zero at -1.0°C and -1.2°C, respectively. Baramulla recorded 1.8°C, while Ganderbal touched -0.2°C. Among the coldest places, Sonamarg and Zojila registered -1.2°C and -18.0°C, respectively. Zethan Rafiabad stood at -1.4°C.

In the Jammu region, temperatures remained comparatively milder.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp ChannelJammu recorded 8.8°C, while the famous shrine town Katra logged 8.5°C. Banihal registered 1.2°C, Batote 5.5°C, Bhaderwah 1.9°C, and Kathua 6.8°C.

Jammu Airport posted 9.5°C, the highest reading in the region. Udhampur recorded 3.6°C, Ramban 4.8°C, Samba 3.0°C, Rajouri 2.6°C, Kishtwar 6.0°C, and Reasi 7.0°C. Data for Doda was not available.

In Ladakh, intense cold persisted despite marginal improvement in some areas. Leh recorded -7.2°C, and Kargil -6.2°C. Drass stood at -5.7°C, Nubra Valley -5.4°C, and Padum -9.1°C.

Nyoma experienced severe freezing conditions at -15.2°C, followed by Tangste (-10.3°C) and Upshi (-10.1°C). Stakna recorded -7.6°C, Chuchot -8.3°C, and Khaltse -4.1°C, while Garkone was the warmest location in the Union Territory at 0.6°C.

Weather officials attribute the overall rise in minimum temperatures to cloud cover and changes in wind patterns, adding that dry and cold conditions are expected to continue over the next few days.(KNS).