Kashmir freezing, Leh at minus 16

Srinagar -  Severe cold wave conditions continued unabated Wednesday across the Kashmir Valley and the Ladakh region as night temperatures remained below freezing point with Leh recording a minimum of minus 16 degrees.

"The night temperature was minus 3.4 degrees Celsius in Srinagar," meteorological office director Sonam Lotus told IANS.

"It was minus 7 degrees in south Kashmir's Pahalgam hill station, minus 8.2 degrees in north Kashmir's Gulmarg ski resort, minus 5.2 degrees in Qazigund town, minus 3.5 degrees in Kupwara town and minus 4.6 degrees in Kokernag town," he said.

"Leh town in Ladakh region was the coldest at minus 16 degrees while Kargil town had minus 15 degrees," he added.

The official said cold wave conditions are likely to continue for another four days.

"Due to polar winds blowing in, the cold wave conditions are likely to continue for another three to four days in the valley and the Ladakh region," he said.

Most of the lakes and water bodies in the valley were frozen at the margins in the morning, making boating and rowing difficult for the fishermen and Shikara operators.