Large parts of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh experienced a sharp drop in overnight temperatures on Wednesday, with several areas in the Valley falling below freezing. Zojila Pass recorded one of the coldest readings of the season at minus 18°C.

In the Kashmir region, Gulmarg was the coldest inhabited area at minus 5.5°C, followed by Kupwara (minus 4.2°C), Shopian (minus 4.3°C), and Baramulla (minus 4.5°C). Srinagar and Pahalgam recorded minus 3.6°C, while other towns including Pulwama, Bandipora, and Anantnag also stayed below freezing.
In Jammu, temperatures remained above zero but fell compared to previous days. Jammu city recorded 8.4°C, Katra 9.5°C, and Bhaderwah the coldest at 0.8°C. Other towns like Udhampur, Rajouri, and Kathua also saw a dip.
Ladakh reported sub-zero temperatures as well, with Leh at minus 5.5°C, Kargil minus 5.1°C, and Nubra Valley minus 2.5°C.
The Meteorological Department forecasts mainly dry weather for the coming days. Officials said the absence of cloud cover is contributing to the sharp night-time temperature drops, a trend expected to continue this week.