J&K Weather Alert: Sub-Zero Freeze Intensifies as Sonamarg Hits -8.9°C and Ladakh Plummets

JAMMU,SRINAGAR,LADAKH January 18: An intense cold wave has tightened its icy grip across Jammu, Kashmir, and Ladakh, sending temperatures tumbling to dangerous lows and freezing water bodies across the region.

According to the latest meteorological data, Sonamarg emerged as the coldest inhabited place in the Valley with a staggering minimum of -8.9°C, followed closely by Shopian at -6.7°C and the twin tourist hubs of Anantnag and Pulwama, which both settled at -6.1°C. In the summer capital, Srinagar recorded a bone-chilling -4.7°C, while the high-altitude meadow of Gulmarg saw the mercury dip to -5.6°C.

The freezing trend was consistent across the region, with Pahalgam at -6.0°C, Awantipora at -5.6°C, and Bandipora recording -5.0°C, leaving residents to grapple with frozen water pipes and thick morning frost.

The Union Territory of Ladakh faced the most extreme conditions of the season, as Hanle recorded a brutal -10.9°C and Leh shivered at -8.2°C.

While the Jammu division typically offers a respite from the extreme cold, several areas there have also slipped into sub-zero territory; Samba and Rajouri recorded lows of -0.6°C and -0.4°C respectively.

Jammu city maintained a relatively higher temperature of 5.5°C, though mountain towns like Banihal at -2.4°C and Bhaderwah at -1.0°C continue to endure harsh winter conditions.

With Kupwara at -4.8°C and Udhampur at a crisp 1.7°C, the entire region remains under a severe weather advisory as the dry cold wave is expected to persist, further impacting transport and daily outdoor activities.