SRINAGAR, January 13, 2026: Severe cold wave conditions have tightened their grip across the Kashmir and Ladakh regions, with temperatures plunging significantly below the freezing mark.
According to the latest data, Sonamarg emerged as one of the coldest spots in the Kashmir Valley, recording a minimum temperature of -7.0°C. Other major stations across the valley faced similar bone-chilling conditions, with Pulwama at -6.6°C, Sopore at -6.5°C, and the popular tourist destination of Pahalgam reaching -6.2°C.
The regional capital, Srinagar, recorded a low of -4.9°C, while the Srinagar Airport and Kupwara both dropped to -5.8°C. Even lower-altitude areas like Sopore and Shopian were not spared, recording lows of -6.5°C and -6.3°C, respectively.
In the Ladakh region, the cold was even more extreme as mercury levels dipped into double digits. Leh recorded a frigid -11.6°C, making it the coldest reported location in the territory, followed closely by Nubra Valley at -10.8°C and Kargil at -10.2°C.
These freezing conditions have led to the partial freezing of small water bodies and water supply pipes in several high-altitude areas, significantly impacting daily life across the Himalayan belt.
Conversely, the Jammu region experienced relatively milder but still chilly weather. Jammu city recorded a minimum of 3.8°C, while Banihal stood out with a surprisingly higher low of 8.9°C.
However, several districts in the Jammu division hovered near or below the freezing point, such as Bhaderwah at -0.2°C and Rajouri at 0.0°C. Other areas like Samba (1.2°C) and Udhampur (0.8°C) also witnessed a sharp nip in the air.
Meteorological experts suggest that these dry and cold conditions are likely to persist, further intensifying the winter chill across the Union Territories.
