Kargil, March 6, 2025: The intensity of cold has surged again in Ladakh following recent snowfall, disrupting daily life. Over the past few days, heavy snowfall has been recorded in Leh, Kargil, Drass, Zanskar, and other high-altitude areas, leading to a significant drop in temperatures.

After the snowfall, the mercury has plummeted below freezing point in various parts of Ladakh. According to the Meteorological Department, the temperature in Kargil dropped to minus 15 degrees Celsius at night, while Leh also experienced severe cold. Drass, one of the coldest places in the world, recorded a temperature of minus 20.2 degrees Celsius, while Zanskar witnessed the coldest conditions, with the mercury dropping to minus 25.2 degrees Celsius.

The heavy snowfall has disrupted traffic on the Kargil-Srinagar highway. The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) Project Vijayak has accelerated efforts to clear snow from Drass towards Zojila to restore the national highway. However, on the other side, Project Beacon has not yet officially begun work in Zojila due to the risk of avalanches. Sources indicate that work is expected to begin from the Sonamarg side by March 7, but precautionary measures are being taken in some high-altitude areas due to the risk of avalanches.

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Meanwhile, sources suggest that it may take at least another week to reopen the Srinagar-Leh national highway for traffic. The Meteorological Department has advised residents to remain cautious of the severe cold and potential avalanche risks, especially in areas prone to such hazards.

According to weather experts, no further snowfall is expected in the coming days. However, cloudy weather and light snowfall in higher-altitude areas are likely between March 10 and March 15. Over the past 24 hours, Kargil recorded a temperature of minus 13.2 degrees Celsius, Leh recorded minus 12.7 degrees Celsius, Drass recorded minus 20.2 degrees Celsius, and Zanskar recorded minus 25.2 degrees Celsius.