Jammu Emerges Coldest in J&K, Surpasses Gulmarg in Severe Cold Snap
An unusual cold wave makes Jammu chillier than Gulmarg, with sub-zero nights in the Valley and an upcoming western disturbance promising snowfall.
Jammu and Kashmir witnessed unusually cold weather conditions on Wednesday, with Jammu recording lower temperatures than the snow-covered tourist resort of Gulmarg, while Srinagar continued to reel under sub-zero conditions. A cold wave has gripped the region over the past few days, leading to sharp drops in both minimum and maximum temperatures across several districts.
Jammu city woke up to dense fog as the temperature dipped to 4 degrees Celsius, significantly below the seasonal average of around 17 degrees Celsius. The persistent cold has been unusual for this time of the year, with residents experiencing prolonged chilly conditions, particularly during the early morning and night hours.
In contrast, Gulmarg, despite being covered in snow, recorded a comparatively warmer temperature of 8.2 degrees Celsius. Srinagar, meanwhile, remained colder overall, with the minimum temperature plunging to minus 5.2 degrees Celsius. Qazigund in south Kashmir recorded a minimum of minus 5.3 degrees Celsius, while Pahalgam, a popular tourist destination, was the coldest, with temperatures dropping to minus 8.6 degrees Celsius.
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Several water bodies, including portions of the iconic Dal Lake, were partially frozen due to sustained sub-zero temperatures during the night. Despite the freezing mornings, daytime conditions in the Kashmir Valley were relatively pleasant, with clear skies and sunshine pushing Srinagar’s maximum temperature to 13.3 degrees Celsius.
The India Meteorological Department has forecast a strong western disturbance likely to affect the region next week, bringing snowfall to both the plains and higher reaches of Jammu and Kashmir. Even as the cold wave continues, Jammu marked the Lohri festival on Wednesday, with people lighting bonfires at homes and public places and celebrating with traditional music and dance, defying the biting cold.
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