Rare May Snowfall Hits Kashmir as India Swelters Under Heatwave

Fresh snowfall was recorded in higher reaches of Tulail Valley in Gurez and in the Zojila Mountains of Jammu and Kashmir on May 21. The surprise storm blanketed mountain roads, huts, and open passes near Minamarg, creating winter-like conditions in mid-summer. The Zojila Pass, connecting Kashmir to Ladakh, saw its usual summer melting process halted by a sudden cold front, with poor visibility and rain-soaked roads in the valley. Meteorologists attributed the rare May snowfall to active Western Disturbances carrying moisture from the Mediterranean that collided with cold mountain air over the Himalayas. Local temperatures dropped temporarily, while the national heatwave was expected to continue across the plains.

"While major parts of India are currently struggling with a brutal heatwave and temperatures reaching up to 47°C (116°F), the Zojila Mountains in Jammu and Kashmir experienced an unusual and heavy snowfall on Thursday, May 21. According to reports from Republic World, the surprise storm blanketed mountain roads, huts, and open passes near Minamarg in white, creating a winter landscape in what should be the middle of summer."

"Local authorities reported that the Zojila Pass, which connects Kashmir to Ladakh, saw its typical summer melting process halted by the sudden cold front. Visuals shared across social media and covered by News18 showed poor visibility, rain-soaked roads in the valley, and a thick layer of fresh snow covering high-altitude stretches."

"Meteorologists report that the unseasonal snow was caused by active Western Disturbances - moisture-carrying weather systems that traveled from the Mediterranean to the Indian subcontinent. When these systems collided with cold mountain air over the Himalayas, it triggered the rare May snowfall. While such weather patterns are typical during the winter, meteorologists noted in Republic World that seeing this much snow in late May is highly unusual and reflects increasingly unpredictable climate patterns."

"The heavy rain and snow have brought temporary relief to the Jammu and Kashmir region by dropping local temperatures, but the national heatwave is expected to continue across the plains. As local crews work to clear road blockages caused by the snow, the event remains a vivid example of India's current climate extremes."

Read at SnowBrains