SRINAGAR: Unseasonal snowfall blanketed the upper reaches of north Kashmir’s Bandipora district, along with the Drass and Zojila areas, on Thursday, while moderate to heavy rainfall lashed the valley plains, causing widespread disruption and some property damage.
Information was available with The Chenab Times that the snowfall in the remote Tulail Valley, situated near the Line of Control, followed a sharp overnight drop in temperatures. Residential areas and mountain slopes received a covering of snow, an event described as unusual by locals for the second half of May. Similar weather conditions were reported in Drass and along the Zojila axis.
Meanwhile, heavy rains accompanied by thunderstorms affected several districts across the valley, including Srinagar, Bandipora, Ganderbal, Baramulla, and Kupwara. While the showers provided some respite from rising temperatures, they also led to waterlogging and temporary disruptions to normal life.
In Bandipora, the intense rainfall created a flood-like situation near Darul Uloom Rahimiya along the Srinagar-Bandipora road. Water and mud inundated residential areas, causing damage to homes. Two houses belonging to Nazir Ahmad Dar and Reyaz Ahmad Dar in Nusoo village sustained partial damage. Two individuals, including a minor girl identified as Muskaan, suffered minor injuries. One was treated and discharged, while the other received medical attention at the District Hospital Bandipora.
Residents attributed the flooding to blocked drainage systems and leaking pipes. They claimed that repeated appeals to authorities for clearance had gone unaddressed. A drain under construction had reportedly been reduced in size, leading to overflow during the heavy downpour. The affected families have demanded compensation and urgent repairs, including the restoration of damaged roads and strengthening of protection works.
Officials confirmed that restoration teams had been deployed, and the Tehsildar Bandipora visited the site to assess the situation. Rainwater also accumulated in low-lying areas of Srinagar and other towns, briefly affecting vehicular movement. Authorities have issued advisories for residents in flood-prone and vulnerable areas to remain cautious.
The Meteorological Department has forecast light rain, thunderstorms, and gusty winds across several parts of Kashmir and Jammu divisions over the next two days. The department warned of potential lightning and hailstorm activity in both regions. According to the forecast, May 22 was expected to experience partly to generally cloudy weather with one or two spells of light rain, thundershower, and gusty winds at many places. The department indicated a possibility of thunder, lightning, hailstorm, and gusty winds with speeds ranging from 40-50 kmph, gusting to over 60 kmph, at a few locations in both Kashmir and Jammu divisions during this period.
From May 23 to 25, the weather is anticipated to remain mainly dry during the forenoons, with brief showers possible at isolated to scattered places towards the late afternoon. Generally hot and dry weather is forecast from May 26 to 28, followed by partly to generally cloudy conditions with light rain or thundershower at isolated places expected between May 29 and 31. Officials also cautioned about hot and humid conditions at a few places in the Jammu division on Wednesday.
In the past 24 hours, several locations in Kashmir recorded rainfall. Pahalgam received 14.2 mm, Gulmarg 13.4 mm, Kupwara 11.4 mm, Qazigund 6.8 mm, and Srinagar 5.4 mm. Jammu recorded a maximum temperature of 41.5 degrees Celsius, more than three degrees above normal, while Srinagar’s temperature settled at 23.9 degrees Celsius.
Separately, in the Pahalgam area of south Kashmir’s Anantnag district, heavy rain and thunderstorms resulted in lightning striking a pasture, killing more than 69 livestock animals. Officials stated that a herd of sheep and goats was caught in the open during intense weather activity when lightning struck. The sudden loss has caused significant concern among local herders, as livestock rearing forms a major source of livelihood in the region.
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The Chenab Times News Desk
