Jammu/Srinagar, Jan 12:Cold wave conditions intensified across Jammu and Kashmir on Sunday, with temperatures plunging several degrees below freezing in most parts of the Valley. Interestingly, Jammu recorded lower daytime temperatures than Srinagar, making the winter capital colder than the summer capital.
Sub-zero temperatures and clear skies led to partial freezing of Dal Lake and other water bodies in Kashmir. In several areas, water taps and pipelines froze due to sustained cold conditions.
According to the Chatha observatory of SKUAST, Jammu recorded a maximum temperature of 10.6°C, lower than Srinagar’s 11.9°C. Jammu city also witnessed its lowest temperature of the season at 1.6°C. Meanwhile, the MeT observatory in north Jammu recorded a maximum of 11.7°C, again below Srinagar’s daytime temperature.
Samba district experienced a minimum temperature of -0.7°C, with the daytime temperature reaching 15.4°C. The town had recorded a lower minimum of -1.6°C a day earlier. Udhampur recorded a minimum of 0.8°C, Rajouri -1.6°C, Poonch 1.9°C, Doda 2.9°C, Kishtwar 2.7°C and Reasi 2.2°C.
Bhaderwah tourist destination recorded a minimum temperature of -2°C and a maximum of 17.4°C. Katra saw a minimum of 4.4°C and a maximum of 17.2°C, while Batote recorded a low of 3°C. Banihal town registered a minimum temperature of 7.1°C.
In Kashmir, Srinagar recorded a minimum temperature of -5.2°C, slightly higher than the previous night’s -5.7°C. The city’s coldest night of the season was recorded on Thursday when the mercury dipped to -6°C.
Shopian emerged as the coldest place in the Valley with a minimum temperature of -8.6°C, followed by Pahalgam at -7.6°C. Gulmarg recorded a low of -6.2°C, while Sonamarg registered a minimum of 4.3°C. Qazigund recorded the season’s coldest night at -5.8°C, Kupwara at -5.6°C, and Kokernag at -3.4°C.
Despite the freezing nights, daytime temperatures across Kashmir remained above normal due to clear and sunny conditions. Srinagar recorded a maximum of 11.9°C, Qazigund 13.2°C, Pahalgam 9.6°C, Kupwara 11.2°C, Kokernag 11.4°C and Gulmarg 7.4°C.
The India Meteorological Department has forecast dry but cloudy weather across the region until January 21.
Meanwhile, high-altitude snow destinations along the Bhaderwah–Pathankot interstate highway have witnessed a surge in tourist arrivals, drawn by fresh snowfall, scenic beauty, enhanced security, and warm hospitality from locals.
Despite harsh weather and recent militant activity in parts of Kishtwar, Kathua, and Udhampur districts, strong security arrangements by the Special Operations Group (SOG) of Jammu and Kashmir Police have reassured visitors. Tourists are enjoying snow activities across the region without security concerns.
SP Bhaderwah Vinod Sharma said that managing tourist safety becomes challenging during heavy snowfall but assured that round-the-clock security has been deployed in high-altitude destinations such as Guldanda, Panj Nallah, and Chattargalla, located at elevations ranging from 9,555 to 11,000 feet.
Tourists praised the police and local residents for ensuring a safe and comfortable experience. According to the Vendors Association of Guldanda, nearly 19,000 tourists have visited the area in the last 15 days following the first snowfall.
In view of the growing tourist footfall, the Tourism Department and District Administration Doda have decided to organize a two-day winter festival at Guldanda on January 17 and 18.
Separately, authorities reopened the Mughal Road, connecting Shopian with Rajouri-Poonch, for vehicular traffic on Saturday after it remained closed for about a week due to snowfall and slippery conditions. Traffic officials said the road was reopened after improvement in weather, particularly around Peer Ki Gali, ensuring commuter safety.
