Temperatures plunge below freezing
Pahalgam at –5.5°C, Kupwara at –4.8°C as cold wave tightens grip on region
Srinagar, Nov 28: Kashmir is currently enduring its coldest November in 17 years, with temperatures plunging well below freezing in many areas across the Valley, officials reported on Friday.
Srinagar, the summer capital, recorded its coldest night of the season, with the mercury dipping to minus 4.5°C, slightly lower than the previous night’s minus 4.4°C. The city’s night temperature has been steadily falling over the past several days and is now more than four degrees below the normal for this time of year.
According to the Meteorological Department, several weather stations across the Valley have reported their lowest November temperatures since 2007. On this date in 2007, Srinagar had recorded minus 4.8°C, while the city’s all-time lowest November temperature, minus 7.8°C, was recorded in 1934.
In the south Kashmir district of Pulwama, Konibal emerged as the coldest location, with the temperature dropping to minus 6°C. The gateway town of Qazigund recorded minus 4.4°C, while Kupwara in the north of the Valley saw temperatures dip to minus 4.8°C.
Other key weather stations also reported sub-zero conditions. Kokernag recorded minus 1.8°C, the tourist resort of Pahalgam saw temperatures fall to minus 5.5°C, and the ski destination of Gulmarg registered minus 1.4°C.
The sharp drop in temperatures has led to frost formation, particularly in areas of south and central Kashmir. However, daytime temperatures have remained close to normal.
The Meteorological Department has predicted mainly dry weather across Kashmir till December 10, warning that night temperatures are likely to fall further in the coming days due to clear skies and calm wind conditions.
