Srinagar, 15 December (H.S.): Cloud cover brought slight relief in night temperatures across Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh, even as cold conditions continued to prevail, with several areas in the Kashmir Valley still recording near-freezing and sub-zero minimum temperatures.

In the Kashmir region, Srinagar recorded a minimum temperature of 1.9°C, while Qazigund and Pahalgam settled at 2.2°C each. Kupwara registered 1.6°C, Kokernag 2.4°C and Gulmarg 1.0°C. Pampore recorded 0.5°C, Srinagar Airport 1.4°C, while Awantipora dipped to -0.8°C. Shopian also witnessed sub-zero temperature at -0.1°C.

Other places recorded Budgam at 1.0°C, Anantnag 1.3°C, Baramulla 0.9°C, Bandipora 2.7°C, Kulgam 2.5°C, Ganderbal 2.3°C and Sonamarg 1.9°C. Data for Pulwama and Zojila Pass was not available, while Zethan Rafiabad station remained non-functional.

In the Jammu region, relatively milder night temperatures were observed. Jammu city recorded 11.4°C, while Jammu Airport registered 11.6°C. Banihal recorded 3.1°C, Batote and Ramban 8.3°C each, Katra 10.7°C, Bhaderwah 4.6°C, Kathua 9.4°C, and Udhampur and Samba recorded 7.2°C each. Rajouri settled at 5.4°C, Kishtwar at 8.0°C and Reasi at 9.6°C, while data for Doda remained unavailable.

Ladakh continued to experience freezing conditions, with Leh recording a minimum temperature of -1.8°C, Kargil -1.2°C and Nubra Valley -0.1°C.

Meanwhile, cloud cover over parts of the Valley provided marginal improvement in night temperatures. Weather officials have advised residents, particularly in colder areas, to take necessary precautions as winter conditions continue to intensify across the region.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Krishan Kumar