Cold wave tightens grip over J&K, Ladakh

Srinagar, Nov 24 : Cold conditions continued in Jammu and Kashmir with all meteorological stations in the Valley recording sub-zero temperature with Pahalgam tourist resort being the coldest on Thursday.

A MeT department official here told GNS that Srinagar recorded a low of minus 0.8°C, the same as on the previous night. The temperature was 0.9°C below normal during this time of the year for the summer capital so far, he said.

Qazigund recorded a low of minus 2.0°C against minus 1.6°C on the previous night. The temperature was 2.1°C below normal for the gateway town of Kashmir, he said.

In Pahalgam, the mercury settled at minus 4.4°C against minus 4.8°C on the previous night and it was 2.0°C below normal for the south Kashmir resort, he said.

Kokernag recorded a low of minus 1.0°C against 0.3°C on the previous night and it was 1.6°C below normal for the place, he said.

Gulmarg recorded a low of minus 2.4°C against minus 3.8°C on the previous night, the official told GNS. It was 0.3°C below normal for the world famous skiing resort in north Kashmir’s Baramulla district, the official said.

In Kupwara town, the mercury settled at minus 2.4°C against minus 2.9°C on the previous night, the official said. It was 1.9°C below normal for the north Kashmir place, he said.

Jammu recorded a low of 9.1°C against 9.0°C on the previous night. It was 2.4°C below normal for J&K’s winter capital, he said. Banihal recorded a low of 10.0.°C (7.6°C above normal), Batote 7.3°C (2.5°C above normal), Katra 9.6°C (0.1°C below normal) and Bhadarwah 3.0°C (0.9°C above normal).

In Ladakh, Kargil recorded a low of minus 10.2.4°C, Leh minus 9.0°C and mercury in Drass, the world’s second coldest place after Siberia, settled at minus 12.0°C, the official said.

The MeT department has forecast mainly dry weather for next 24 in J&K and said that no large change was expected till the end of this month. (GNS)