Jammu Tawi, Jan 7:
Jammu division continues to experience cold and dry winter conditions, with dense morning fog affecting visibility at several places, even as the harsh phase of Chillai-Kalan tightens its grip across Jammu and Kashmir. While the plains of Jammu have been spared extreme sub-zero temperatures seen in Kashmir and Ladakh, the chill has intensified, particularly during early morning and night hours.
According to the Meteorological Centre, Jammu city recorded minimum temperatures between 8 and 9 degrees Celsius, while the airport area remained slightly warmer. However, higher altitude areas in the division experienced sharper cold, with Bhaderwah recording sub-zero night temperatures. Banihal, Batote, Katra, Rajouri and Kishtwar also witnessed a noticeable dip, reflecting the growing impact of the peak winter phase.
Weather officials said the region is likely to remain largely dry till January 22, with dense fog expected to persist at a few places in the Jammu division over the next five days. Minimum temperatures are forecast to fall further till January 10, after which a slight rise of 1–2 degrees Celsius is expected. Intermittent cloudy conditions may occur between January 16 and 20, though no major rainfall activity is anticipated.
As Jammu experiences relatively milder conditions, Kashmir and Ladakh continue to reel under a severe cold wave. In the Kashmir Valley, minimum temperatures have plunged well below freezing, with Sonamarg recording around minus 10 degrees Celsius. Gulmarg and Pahalgam also witnessed intense cold, while Srinagar recorded sub-zero temperatures, freezing water supply lines in several localities.
Other parts of the Valley, including Kupwara, Baramulla, Pulwama, Shopian and Budgam, remained under the grip of freezing nights. Meteorological officials warned that minimum temperatures in the Kashmir plains could range between minus 4 and minus 9 degrees Celsius over the next few days, with higher reaches witnessing even harsher conditions.
In Ladakh, Drass—known as the world’s second coldest inhabited place—recorded a minimum temperature of around minus 22 degrees Celsius, freezing streams and water bodies. Leh, Nyoma, Padum and Kargil also experienced extreme sub-zero temperatures, marking the peak of the winter season.
Despite the harsh weather, life in Drass has found a positive outlet through the Indian Army’s winter sports carnival, “Jashn-E-Fateh.” The event has seen active participation from local youth in snow- and ice-based sports, helping sustain morale during the long winter months. Army officials said the initiative aims to promote sportsmanship, resilience and strengthen civil-military relations in the region.
Meanwhile, the prolonged dry spell across Jammu and Kashmir has raised concerns over declining water levels in rivers and streams, which may affect water availability in the coming weeks. Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely as Chillai-Kalan, the coldest 40-day period of winter, remains at its peak across the Union Territory.
