SRINAGAR: Cold conditions intensified across Jammu and Kashmir on Monday, with Kupwara and Bhaderwah recording the sharpest departures from normal temperatures, both 16.0°C below normal levels typically seen in January.
According to data compiled by Kashmir Weather, the maximum temperature in Kupwara settled at 10.8°C, while Bhaderwah recorded just 10.0°C. Several other areas also witnessed abnormally low day temperatures, signalling an early onset of wintry conditions.
In the Kashmir Valley, Srinagar recorded a maximum of 12.5°C, 13.0°C below normal, while Qazigund registered 13.5°C, down by 10.6°C. Pahalgam and Kokernag recorded 9.2°C and 12.1°C, respectively, both more than 11°C below normal. The ski resort of Gulmarg remained the coldest at 4.4°C, a steep 12.1°C below normal.
Across the Jammu region, Jammu city recorded a high of 21.3°C, 11.1°C below normal. Banihal, Batote, and Katra also remained unusually cold, with temperatures ranging from 11.2°C to 18.0°C.
In Ladakh, Leh recorded a maximum of 7.2°C, while data for Kargil was unavailable.
Weathermen have predicted a similar pattern until October 7, with improvement expected from October 8. -(KL)
