New Delhi: Kashmir Valley is experiencing the coldest temperatures of the season, with Srinagar recording a bone-chilling -5.4 degree Celsius overnight. This cold dip follows a fresh snowfall across the region, dramatically lowering temperatures in mountainous areas, particularly in Gulmarg, where the mercury plummeted to a season’s low of -9°C – a significant 5.4 degrees below normal. The meteorological (MeT) department has predicted that this cold, dry spell will continue for at least the next week.
The contrast between day and night temperatures was striking, with Srinagar experiencing a relatively sunny and warm day on Monday. the weatherman stated that these sunny days lead to clear night skies, causing a rapid drop in overnight temperatures. This phenomenon resulted in Srinagar recording the coldest night of the season so far. “Cold and dry weather will generally prevail over many stations during the next 7 days,” the weather department said.
Other areas in Kashmir also recorded their coldest night temperatures of the season, including Pahalgam (-6.8°C), Qazigund (-6.2°C), and Kupwara (-4.5°C). The extreme cold has affected the entire valley, with many areas experiencing sub-zero temperatures. While the MeT department predicts dry weather for the coming days, a warning of generally cloudy conditions with light snow over isolated higher reaches is expected on December 12th. From December 13th to 18th, the weather is anticipated to remain generally dry.
Sunday’s snowfall brought significant disruption, particularly to road travel. The higher reaches, including Gulmarg, Kupwara, and Pir ki Gali, experienced heavy snowfall, resulting in the closure of key mountain passes. The Traffic police reported on X (formerly Twitter) that the Mughal Road, Sinthan Road, and Srinagar-Sonamarg-Gumri Road remain closed due to significant snow accumulation, causing major travel disruptions for tourists and local residents alike.
The snowfall has created hazardous conditions on mountain roads, with icy patches presenting significant dangers to drivers. The sharp contrast between day and night temperatures will continue to make the mornings particularly treacherous. The widespread cold snap is posing serious challenges to both the local population and the tourist industry, which is already gearing up for the peak season.
The MeT department’s prediction of a prolonged cold spell is likely to increase concerns about the ongoing impact of the severe weather on daily life and infrastructure across the region. The data shows the significant temperature differences across various areas of the valley and the Jammu region, highlighting the diverse microclimates across this geographically varied area.
Kashmir
Srinagar = -5.4°C
Qazigund = -6.4°C
Pahalgam = -8.4°C
Kupwara = -4.5°C
Kokernag = -4.0°C
Gulmarg = NA
Sonamarg = -9.7°C
Zojila = NA
Anantnag = -7.9°C
Ganderbal = -5.2°C
Pulwama = -8.3°C
Bandipora = -5.5°C
Baramulla = -5.1°C
Budgam = -6.4°C
Kulgam = -5.9°C
Shopian = -8.5°C
Larnoo = -8.1°
Jammu
Jammu = 5.4°C
Banihal = -2.2°C
Batote = NA
Katra = 5.6°C
Bhaderwah = -3.4°C
Kishtwar = 1.5°C
Padder = -7.7°C
Kathua = 3.9°C
Ramban = 5.5°C
Reasi = NA
Samba = 0.3°C
Udhampur = 0.5°C
Poonch = 1.6°C
Rajouri = -0.4°C
