Regional Temperature Plummet: Jammu and Kashmir Record Shivering Sub-Normal Highs Amidst Cold Wave

SRINAGAR, March 18, 2026 — A powerful weather system has sent temperatures tumbling across Jammu, Kashmir, and Ladakh, with the latest data from Kashmir Weather revealing maximum temperatures significantly lower than seasonal averages. In the Kashmir Valley, the summer capital Srinagar recorded a high of only 8.4°C, which is a staggering 7.6°C below normal for mid-March.

Similar trends were observed in Qazigund, Kupwara, and Kokernag, all of which hovered around the 9.2°C mark. The high-altitude ski resort of Gulmarg remained the coldest spot in the valley with a maximum of just 1.0°C, nearly 5°C below its usual temperature.

Other areas like Beerwah, Sopore, and Aloosa also experienced a sharp chill, with highs ranging between 7.8°C and 10.4°C, forcing residents to revert to heavy winter clothing.The Jammu region was not spared from this sudden cooling trend, as the winter capital Jammu recorded a maximum of 20.2°C, falling 7.3°C below the normal expected range. The dip was even more pronounced in the hilly tracts of the division; Bhaderwah witnessed a high of 10.2°C, a massive 9.7°C below normal, while Banihal and Batote remained chilly at 9.5°C and 10.1°C respectively.

The pilgrim hub of Katra also saw a cool day at 19.2°C, reflecting a widespread departure from typical springtime warmth. Meanwhile, in the Union Territory of Ladakh, temperatures remained predictably low, with Leh and the Nubra Valley both reaching a maximum of 7.1°C, and Kargil settling at 5.7°C.

This regional “cold snap” highlights the impact of the ongoing western disturbance, which continues to dominate the atmospheric conditions across the Himalayas.