Sajid Raina
Srinagar, Jan 20: Minimum temperatures dropped across most parts of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh on Tuesday compared to the previous day, with several areas in the Kashmir Valley recording a sharp fall in night temperatures, according to data.
In the Kashmir region, Srinagar recorded a minimum of minus 3.4 degrees Celsius on Tuesday, down from minus 1.2 degrees Celsius on Monday. Srinagar Airport also saw a decline, settling at minus 4.4 degrees Celsius compared to minus 3.8 degrees Celsius a day earlier.
Pahalgam registered a notable dip, with the mercury falling to minus 4.0 degrees Celsius from minus 1.8 degrees Celsius on Monday.
Gulmarg recorded minus 5.5 degrees Celsius on Tuesday, compared to minus 3.5 degrees Celsius the previous day, while Sonamarg, however, showed a marginal improvement, rising to minus 6.2 degrees Celsius from Monday’s minus 8.3 degrees Celsius. Kupwara saw a slight rise to minus 1.2 degrees Celsius from minus 1.6 degrees Celsius, while Qazigund remained nearly steady at around minus 2.3 degrees Celsius.
Several south Kashmir areas recorded colder conditions. Pulwama and Shopian reported minimum temperatures of minus 5.5 degrees Celsius and minus 4.8 degrees Celsius, respectively, compared to minus 5.1 degrees Celsius and minus 4.7 degrees Celsius on Monday.
Budgam cooled to minus 4.3 degrees Celsius from minus 2.4 degrees Celsius, while Beerwah in Budgam district dropped sharply to minus 4.9 degrees Celsius from minus 2.9 degrees Celsius.
In north Kashmir, Baramulla recorded minus 2.1 degrees Celsius, lower than Monday’s minus 1.4 degrees Celsius, while Bandipora dropped to minus 2.9 degrees Celsius from minus 1.4 degrees Celsius.
In the Jammu region, temperatures remained largely stable with minor fluctuations. Jammu city recorded a minimum of 7.4 degrees Celsius, almost unchanged from Monday’s 7.3 degrees Celsius.
Banihal saw a sharp fall to minus 1.6 degrees Celsius from 0.7 degrees Celsius, while Bhaderwah cooled slightly to minus 1.2 degrees Celsius from minus 0.5 degrees Celsius. Katra remained steady at 7.4 degrees Celsius.
In Ladakh, Leh recorded minus 9.0 degrees Celsius, colder than Monday’s minus 8.0 degrees Celsius. Hanle showed a marginal improvement at minus 13.3 degrees Celsius compared to minus 14.5 degrees Celsius a day earlier.
Meanwhile, the Meteorological Department warned of the possibility of heavy rain or snowfall over a few districts of the Jammu and Kashmir divisions on January 23 and 27.
The Met office said there is also a likelihood of landslides and gusty winds at some vulnerable locations during the period.
Farmers have been advised to suspend farm operations, while all concerned have been asked to plan their activities accordingly, the Met office in Srinagar said.
