Intense Cold Wave Grips Kashmir as Gulmarg Plummets to -6.5°C; Leh Records -11°C

SRINAGAR/LEH , Jan 4, 2026: An intense cold wave continues to sweep across the Kashmir Valley and the Ladakh region, with temperatures staying significantly below the freezing point. According to the latest data, Gulmarg remains the coldest spot in the valley, recording a bone-chilling minimum of -6.5°C, followed closely by Shopian at -6.0°C.

The summer capital, Srinagar, recorded a low of -3.2°C, while the Srinagar Airport and Awantipora areas were even colder at -4.2°C. Other key locations such as Pahalgam and Qazigund both settled at -4.0°C, while Pulwama recorded a sharp dip to -5.1°C, signaling a harsh start to the day for residents across the valley.

In the Jammu region, the weather remained relatively milder but showed a distinct chill in the higher reaches. Jammu city recorded a comfortable 10.0°C, while Banihal dipped below freezing at -0.9°C. Significant cold was also felt in Bhaderwah at -1.6°C and Rajouri at -2.5°C.

Meanwhile, the Union Territory of Ladakh faced the most extreme conditions, with Leh recording the lowest temperature in the region at a staggering -11.0°C. Meteorological officials have advised residents to take necessary precautions against the freezing conditions, particularly during the early morning and late night hours, as the dry cold spell is expected to persist.