SRINAGAR/ LEH, January 7, 2026 — Intense cold wave conditions have tightened their grip across the Union Territories of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh, with mercury levels plummeting significantly below the freezing point in most high-altitude areas.
According to the latest meteorological data, Sonamarg emerged as one of the coldest spots in the Kashmir region at -10.1°C, while Leh in Ladakh recorded a bone-chilling -13.4°C. In the Kashmir Valley, famous tourist destinations like Gulmarg (-7.6°C) and Pahalgam (-7.2°C) continue to experience sub-zero extremes, while the summer capital, Srinagar, recorded a low of -1.6°C.
Other valley districts also faced a harsh freeze, including Pulwama at -5.1°C, Shopian at -4.3°C, and Kupwara at -3.6°C, though Pampore and Kulgam remained slightly milder at 1.0°C.
Meanwhile, in the Jammu division, temperatures remained relatively higher with Jammu City recording 8.7°C and Katra at 6.4°C, although the high-altitude town of Bhaderwah mirrored the valley’s chill by dropping to -2.6°C.
