Srinagar experienced its coldest night this winter, with temperatures plunging to -6.2 degrees Celsius, resulting in an intense chill across the valley.
As per weather data, Sonamarg registered a temperature of -9.0 degrees Celsius, while Pulwama and Anantnag recorded -9.5 degrees Celsius and -9.9 degrees Celsius, respectively. Shopian was the coldest area in the valley at -10.0 degrees Celsius, and Zojila experienced an extreme low of -24.0 degrees Celsius.
Tourist resorts like Pahalgam had temperatures of -8.2 degrees Celsius, Qazigund recorded -7.6 degrees Celsius, and Gulmarg reached -6.0 degrees Celsius.
In contrast, Jammu experienced comparatively warmer temperatures, with Jammu city recording 6.9 degrees Celsius. However, Banihal recorded -3.8 degrees Celsius, and Padder in Kishtwar plummeted to -8.5 degrees Celsius.
The cold wave extended to Ladakh, where conditions were even harsher. Leh recorded -11.8°C and Kargil experienced a frigid -13.8°C. As the severe cold wave persists, residents of the region are preparing for even colder nights ahead.
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Weather experts attribute the intense cold wave in Kashmir to the La Niña effect, which leads to harsher winters and increased precipitation. During the phenomenon, the surface temperatures of the Pacific Ocean cool, disrupting atmospheric circulation patterns and resulting in extreme weather conditions worldwide.
So far, there has been no snowfall in the plains of Kashmir, but the upper reaches, including Gulmarg, Pahalgam, Sonamarg and Kishtwar have witnessed some snowfall.
Power outages due to low hydel power generation have exacerbated the difficulties faced by the people in Kashmir. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has raised the issue of securing additional power supplies for Kashmir in winter with central leaders to meet the region's energy needs.
Doctors have also cautioned residents to stay warm, as the steep drop in temperatures increases the risk of heart attacks. In Kashmir, people are resorting to traditional means of heating, such as the kangri—an earthen pot filled with burning coal and artfully covered with wicker—and hammams, which involve burning small pieces of wood under stone floors in a room. The smoke is vented through chimneys that open onto the roof and extend down the walls from the base.
