Overview
- Fresh, unexpected snowfall and rain hit higher Jammu and Kashmir on Thursday, May 21, coating Zojila Pass and Minamarg and prompting authorities to temporarily shut the Srinagar–Leh road.
- Heavy overnight rain and thunderstorms in parts of the Kashmir Valley caused localized road damage, water and mud entering homes in Bandipora, and pockets of waterlogging and mudflow.
- Meteorologists link the event to active Western Disturbances meeting cold mountain air, and the India Meteorological Department says light rain, thundershowers, gusty winds and isolated hail are likely in the higher reaches through about May 25.
- At the same time, large parts of the northern plains are under a severe heatwave with daytime highs around 42–47°C and IMD orange alerts for Delhi‑NCR, straining power and public‑health systems.
- Experts warn the contrast fits a pattern of increasing weather variability tied to climate change and a higher El Niño probability for 2026, which could amplify seasonal extremes and affect the coming monsoon.