A sudden and dramatic shift in weather has gripped Jammu and Kashmir, bringing an unexpected blanket of fresh snow to the higher reaches and heavy rainfall across the plains. The unseasonal weather spell on Thursday has sharply brought down temperatures, providing a welcome and much-needed respite from the unusually warm, heatwave-like conditions that had been building up across the valley over the past few days.
Unseasonal Snow Drapes High Altitudes in White
According to regional officials, the early hours of Thursday saw significant fresh snowfall across major high-altitude destinations and mountain passes. The Gurez sector in north Kashmir’s Bandipora district, Sonamarg, and the crucial Zojila Pass along the Srinagar-Leh National Highway were completely draped in white. Videos and images circulating widely on social media platforms showed mountain roads, open stretches, and tourist huts covered under a thick layer of summer snow, creating a stark visual contrast to the blistering heatwaves gripping the rest of the Indian plains.
Storms and Heavy Downpours Trigger Disruptions
While the mountain peaks accumulated snow, lower-lying areas including the summer capital of Srinagar experienced persistent and heavy intermittent rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms. The intense wet spell, which began late Wednesday night, has disrupted normal life in several pockets. In Bandipora district, severe downpours triggered mudflows and heavy waterlogging, causing structural damage to a local road and forcing muddy rainwater into nearby residential houses, leaving locals to grapple with sudden commuting and property challenges.
Wet Spell Predicted to Extend Ahead
The sudden climate twist has been attributed to a fresh Western Disturbance clashing with cold mountain air. Sounding a note of caution, the Meteorological Department stated that light to moderate rain, scattered thundershowers, gusty winds, and isolated hailstorms could likely continue across parts of the Union Territory through Friday and Saturday. Looking further ahead, weather forecasters expect conditions to turn relatively drier during the forenoons, though brief, isolated showers remain highly possible late in the afternoons until May 25.