The ski resort of Gulmarg in north Kashmir recorded the coldest night of the season as the mercury plunged to minus 8.8 degrees Celsius.
According to the Meteorological Department, Valley continued to witness sub-zero temperatures during the intervening night with south and north Kashmir also experiencing a sharp dip.
A MeT official said Gulmarg witnessed a sharp drop in temperature from minus 6.5°C recorded on the preceding night, making it the coldest place in Kashmir during the night.
Gulmarg received 4 cm of fresh snowfall during the last 24 hours.
Srinagar registered a minimum temperature of minus 3.6°C, slightly lower than the minus 3.2°C recorded the preceding night.
Pahalgam recorded minus 4.8°C, compared to minus 4.0°C a night earlier.
Pahalgam also recorded very light snow in the last 24 hours.
Shopian recorded a minimum of minus 5.6°C, while Pulwama settled at minus 4.2°C. Qazigund, the gateway town of Kashmir, registered minus 2.0°C, showing an improvement from the previous night’s minus 4.0°C.
Kokernag in south Kashmir registered minus 1.2°C, marginally warmer than the previous night’s minus 1.6°C.
Kupwara recorded minus 1.8°C, slightly higher than the minus 2.5°C witnessed during the preceding night.
The Meteorological Department has forecast isolated light rain or snowfall at a few places over the next 24 hours, while stating that no major weather disturbance is expected across Kashmir in the coming days.
“From January 7 to January 18, weather across Kashmir is likely to remain partly cloudy, followed by generally cloudy conditions on January 19 and 20,” the MeT official said.
The MeT has ruled out any widespread precipitation during this phase, indicating a prolonged dry spell across most parts of the Valley.
The MeT has also warned of a significant fall in minimum temperatures, stating that night temperatures are expected to drop by 2 to 3 degrees Celsius below normal levels till January 10. Thereafter, a gradual rise of around 1 to 2 degrees Celsius in minimum temperatures is likely. The sharp dip in night temperatures is expected to intensify cold wave conditions, particularly during late night and early morning hours.
Meanwhile, authorities today ordered suspension of all vehicular traffic on the Mughal Road following fresh snowfall at Pir Ki Gali, officials said.
Senior Superintendent of Police, Traffic said the decision was taken in view of adverse weather conditions and snow accumulation at the high-altitude pass, which has rendered the road unsafe for movement.
“All traffic on Mughal Road is hereby stopped with immediate effect due to fresh snowfall at Pir Ki Gali. The restriction will remain in force till further notice,” the SSP Traffic said.
The Mughal Road serves as a vital link connecting the Kashmir Valley with the twin districts of Rajouri and Poonch in the Jammu region. The road frequently faces closures during winter months due to heavy snowfall and slippery conditions at higher reaches.
Traffic authorities have advised commuters and transporters to avoid planning travel on the Mughal Road until an official clearance is issued. Further updates regarding restoration of traffic will be communicated after assessment of weather and road conditions.