SRINAGAR, Jan 22, 2026 — A severe cold wave continues to sweep across Jammu, Kashmir, and Ladakh, with temperatures plunging several degrees below the freezing point in most stations.
According to the latest data released today, the tourist destination of Sonamarg emerged as the coldest spot in the Kashmir Valley, recording a low of -6.1°C, while the high-altitude regions of Ladakh saw temperatures drop into double digits.
Kashmir Valley Shivers Under Freezing SkiesThe entire Kashmir region remains in the grip of an intense freeze. In the summer capital, Srinagar, the mercury settled at -3.4°C, while the Srinagar Airport recorded a slightly lower -3.8°C. South Kashmir reported some of the sharpest drops, with Pulwama recording -5.8°C, followed closely by Shopian at -5.4°C and Anantnag at -5.3°C.
Popular tourist hubs like Pahalgam and Gulmarg saw lows of -4.4°C and -4.0°C, respectively. Even relatively warmer areas like Baramulla and Aloosa Bandipora remained barely above freezing at -0.4°C.Jammu Region and Ladakh Face Bitter Chills.
While Jammu City recorded a relatively milder 7.2°C, other parts of the division faced a significant chill. Samba nearly touched the freezing point at 0.1°C, while Udhampur and Rajouri both stayed at a crisp 1.0°C.
High-altitude towns like Banihal and Bhaderwah were not spared, recording sub-zero temperatures of -2.2°C and -1.5°C.
Meanwhile, the Union Territory of Ladakh remains the coldest belt in the country. Hanle recorded a bone-chilling -11.0°C, followed by Leh at -10.6°C and Kargil at -8.4°C. The Nubra Valley also registered a sharp low of -6.1°C, highlighting the extreme winter conditions currently prevailing over the Himalayan plateau.
