Snowfall in May: Unseasonal Rain and Snow Transform Zojila into White Landscape On Thursday, May 21, an unexpected fresh snowfall blanketed the high-altitude regions near Minamarg, turning the area around Zojila Pass into a pristine white landscape. This unseasonal weather event starkly contrasted with the extreme summer heat gripping much of India’s plains, where temperatures soared to 42°C-47°C in several states. The sudden shift in weather patterns has created a dramatic divide across the country, with some regions experiencing a sharp cooling while others endure relentless heatwaves. The snowfall has prompted authorities to temporarily close the Srinagar-Ladakh highway, a critical route that traverses Zojila Pass at an elevation of over 3.5 kilometers. This strategic road, which connects Kashmir Valley with Ladakh, has been rendered impassable due to the heavy snowfall, forcing travelers and locals to endure delays as teams work to clear the snow and restore safety. The closure has disrupted movement for both residents and visitors, adding logistical challenges to an already unpredictable situation. The unseasonal snow has brought a welcome respite from the scorching heat in the Kashmir Valley, where temperatures have dropped significantly. Meanwhile, other parts of the state have been battered by rain and thunderstorms, highlighting the erratic weather patterns that have become increasingly common. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned of stormy weather for the next three days, predicting that temperatures will remain below normal in the region. This forecast underscores the growing unpredictability of India’s climate, with extreme weather events becoming more frequent and intense.#india_meteorological_department #ladakh #ladakh #zojila_pass #minamarg #srinagar_ladakh_highway
