Srinagar, Dec 27: Kashmir witnessed widespread sub-zero temperatures as night readings plunged across the region, with clear skies intensifying the ongoing cold wave, officials said on Saturday.
Sonamarg emerged as the coldest place in Jammu and Kashmir, recording a minimum temperature of minus 5.8 degrees Celsius, down from minus 4.7 degrees Celsius the previous day.
Srinagar recorded a low of minus 2.6 degrees Celsius, nearly three degrees lower than the previous night’s 0.2 degrees Celsius.
Srinagar Airport also logged minus 3.8 degrees Celsius.
In south Kashmir, the tourist resort of Pahalgam recorded a temperature of minus 4.8 degrees Celsius, while Shopian dipped to minus 4.7 degrees Celsius and Pulwama to minus 4.3 degrees Celsius.
Anantnag settled at minus 3.6 degrees Celsius, Awantipora at minus 3.2 degrees Celsius, and Kulgam at minus 1.9 degrees Celsius.
Kokernag recorded minus 0.9 degrees Celsius.
North Kashmir remained under intense cold conditions, with Kupwara recording minus 3.8 degrees Celsius, Baramulla minus 2.5 degrees Celsius, Bandipora minus 2 degrees Celsius and Zethan Rafiabad minus 3.4 degrees Celsius.
Gulmarg ski resort in north Kashmir recorded a minimum temperature of minus 4.2 degrees Celsius, while Qazigund in south Kashmir logged minus 2.8 degrees Celsius.
In central Kashmir, Budgam recorded minus 2.7 degrees Celsius, Ganderbal minus 1.8 degrees Celsius, and Pampore dipped to minus 4.5 degrees Celsius.
The Meteorological Department officials said the sharp drop in temperatures was due to clear night skies, a condition likely to persist over the next few days.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecast generally dry weather in Kashmir until December 29, with spells of rain and snow expected around New Year’s Eve.
Light rain or snowfall is likely at scattered places on December 30 and at many places on December 31 and January 1, 2026, with moderate snowfall possible over some middle and higher reaches of north and central Kashmir.
Light snow may occur over isolated higher reaches on January 2.
Chillai-e-Kalan, the harshest 40-day period of winter in Kashmir, began earlier this week and typically brings the coldest temperatures and snowfall of the season.