Srinagar, 13 December (H.S.): Cold conditions continued to prevail across Jammu & Kashmir as night temperatures remained low, with several areas in the Kashmir Valley recording sub-zero minimums.

Pulwama emerged as the coldest inhabited area at -4.2°C, while Shopian followed closely at -3.7°C, indicating a sustained cold wave across south Kashmir.

Srinagar recorded a minimum temperature of -2.9°C, while its outskirts were colder, with Srinagar Airport touching -4.0°C. Qazigund settled at -1.6°C, Pampore at -2.5°C, Budgam at -3.1°C and Awantipora dipped to -3.6°C. Baramulla recorded -3.2°C, Bandipora -2.1°C, Kupwara -2.4°C and Zethan Rafiabad also settled at -3.1°C.

Tourist destinations saw relatively less severe cold, with Pahalgam recording -2.8°C, Sonamarg -0.3°C and Gulmarg standing at 1.6°C. Kokernag and Kulgam both recorded marginally above-freezing temperatures at 0.1°C. Ganderbal recorded -1.8°C, while Zojila Pass remained frozen at a harsh -17.0°C, reflecting extreme conditions in the higher reaches.

In the Jammu region, comparatively milder weather prevailed. Jammu city recorded a minimum of 10.3°C, while Jammu Airport was slightly warmer at 10.9°C. Katra recorded 10.2°C, Kathua and Batote both settled at 8.0°C, and Reasi also recorded 8.0°C. In the hilly districts, Bhaderwah recorded 3.6°C, Udhampur 3.4°C, Rajouri 3.8°C and Banihal dipped to 3.8°C.

Ladakh continued to experience intense cold, with Leh recording -5.6°C, Kargil -5.2°C and Nubra Valley dipping further to -5.7°C.

Weatherman said that, chilly and dry weather is likely to persist across the region, with no major western disturbance expected in the next comming days with cloudy weather is likely to persist. Higher reaches, however, may witness occasional light snowfall, they added.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Krishan Kumar