Srinagar: Several parts of Jammu and Kashmir witnessed a sudden change in weather on Thursday as fresh snowfall in higher reaches and widespread rain across the plains brought temperatures down across the Valley.
According to officials, snowfall was reported from the Gurez sector in Bandipora, the strategic Zojila Pass along the Srinagar-Leh highway, and the tourist destination of Sonamarg. Several mountain peaks in other upper reaches of Kashmir were also covered in fresh snow following overnight weather activity.
Meanwhile, lower areas of the Valley, including Srinagar, experienced intermittent rainfall during the early hours of the day, providing relief from the heatwave-like conditions that had prevailed over the past several days.
The sudden weather shift also caused disruption in some areas. In Bandipora district, heavy rain accompanied by thunderstorms reportedly damaged a road on Wednesday night. Officials said mud and rainwater entered multiple nearby homes, while waterlogging and mudflow affected local movement in the area.
Residents across Kashmir welcomed the drop in temperature after unusually warm weather conditions earlier this week.
The India Meteorological Department has forecast more unstable weather over the next two days. The department said light rain, thundershowers, gusty winds and isolated hailstorm activity may occur at several places across Jammu and Kashmir on Thursday and Friday.
Weather officials added that conditions are expected to remain mostly dry during morning hours over the coming days, although brief spells of rain could occur at isolated and scattered locations during late afternoons until May 25.
Authorities have advised travellers and residents in vulnerable areas to remain cautious due to the possibility of slippery roads, reduced visibility and localized disruptions caused by rain and snowfall.
