Srinagar experienced its coldest night this winter, with temperatures plunging as low as -6.2 degrees Celsius, causing intense cold across the valley.

According to weather data, Sonamarg recorded a temperature of -9.0 degrees Celsius, while Pulwama and Anantnag recorded -9.5 degrees Celsius and -9.9 degrees Celsius respectively. Shopian was the coldest area in the valley at -10.0 degrees Celsius, and Zojila experienced an extreme minimum of -24.0 degrees Celsius.

Tourist resorts like Pahalgam had temperatures of -8.2 degrees Celsius, Qazigund recorded -7.6 degrees Celsius and Gulmarg touched -6.0 degrees Celsius.

In contrast, Jammu witnessed relatively warmer temperatures with Jammu city recording 6.9 degrees Celsius. However, Banihal recorded -3.8 degrees Celsius and Padder in Kishtwar dropped to -8.5 degrees Celsius.

The cold wave spread to Ladakh, where conditions were even harsher. Leh recorded -11.8°C and Kargil experienced a freezing -13.8°C. As the severe cold snap persists, area residents are bracing for even colder nights.

Weather experts attribute the intense cold spell in Kashmir to the La Niña effect, which leads to harsher winters and increased rainfall. During this phenomenon, surface temperatures in the Pacific Ocean cool, disrupting atmospheric circulation patterns and leading to extreme weather conditions around the world.

So far, there has been no snowfall in the plains of Kashmir, but the upper reaches including Gulmarg, Pahalgam, Sonamarg and Kishtwar have seen some snowfall.

Power outages due to low hydrogen power generation have exacerbated the difficulties faced by the people of Kashmir. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has raised the issue of ensuring additional power supply to Kashmir in winter with central leaders to meet the region’s energy needs.

Doctors also advised residents to stay warm, as the sharp drop in temperatures increases the risk of heart attacks. In Kashmir, people rely on traditional means of heating, such as the kangri – an earthen pot filled with burning coal and artfully covered with wicker – and hammams, which involve burning small pieces of wood under a floor stone in a room. Smoke is vented through chimneys that open on the roof and run down the walls from the base.