SRINAGAR, DECEMBER 27, 2025: Intense cold wave conditions have tightened their grip across the region, with the mercury dropping several degrees below the freezing point in most parts of the Kashmir Valley and Ladakh. According to the latest meteorological data, Sonamarg emerged as the coldest spot in Kashmir at -5.8°C, closely followed by the famous health resort of Pahalgam at -4.8°C and Shopian at -4.7°C.
The capital city, Srinagar, recorded a minimum of -2.6°C, while the ski resort of Gulmarg shivered at -4.2°C. Other significant lows included Pampore at -4.5°C, Kupwara at -3.8°C, and Anantnag at -3.6°C, indicating a widespread freeze across the valley floor and its peripheral districts.In the Ladakh region, the winter chill reached extreme levels, with Drass—often cited as the gateway to Ladakh—plunging to a bone-chilling -18.1°C. Other high-altitude areas like Nyoma (-15.3°C) and Padum (-14.5°C) reported severe sub-zero temperatures, while the main towns of Leh and Kargil recorded -9.9°C and -9.2°C, respectively.
The harsh weather conditions have significantly impacted daily life in the Union Territory, freezing local water bodies and leading to a sharp increase in the use of heating appliances.Meanwhile, the Jammu region provided a slight reprieve but remained notably chilly. The winter capital, Jammu, recorded a minimum temperature of 7.1°C, while Katra, the base camp for the Vaishno Devi shrine, stood at 7.6°C.
However, higher reaches in the Jammu division felt the bite of winter more acutely, with Bhaderwah barely staying above freezing at 0.2°C and Rajouri recording a low of 1.6°C. Forecasters expect these dry and cold conditions to persist over the coming days, advising residents to take necessary precautions against the plummeting night temperatures.
