While large parts of India continue to struggle under intense summer heat, Ladakh’s Zojila Pass witnessed an unexpected spell of fresh snowfall in May, turning the mountain landscape white and disrupting traffic along the Srinagar-Ladakh highway.
Fresh snow covered areas near Minamarg on Thursday, creating a sharp contrast with conditions in the plains where temperatures have been hovering between 42°C and 47°C. The sudden weather shift brought chilly winds and freezing temperatures to the high-altitude region even as northern and central India remained under severe heatwave conditions.
Authorities temporarily closed the strategic Srinagar-Ladakh road after snowfall made travel risky near Zojila Pass, which sits at an altitude of more than 3.5 kilometres above sea level. The highway is considered a crucial link connecting Kashmir Valley with Ladakh, and restoration teams have been deployed to clear snow and reopen the route safely.
Travellers and tourists heading towards Ladakh have been advised to monitor weather updates and road conditions before beginning their journey. Local residents and transport operators also faced delays due to slippery roads and reduced visibility.
The fresh snowfall has brought relief from rising temperatures in Kashmir Valley, where rain and thunderstorms were also reported in several districts. According to the India Meteorological Department, unstable weather conditions are expected to continue over the next three days, keeping temperatures below normal in many parts of Jammu and Kashmir.
Weather experts say the unusual snowfall is linked to active Western Disturbances interacting with cold mountain air. These weather systems carry moisture from distant regions and often trigger rain and snow across north India during winter months. However, snowfall during late May is considered unusual because this period normally marks the beginning of snowmelt in Himalayan regions.
Scientists and climate experts have repeatedly warned that climate change is making weather patterns increasingly erratic across India. Sudden cold spells in mountain regions, alongside record-breaking heatwaves in the plains, are becoming more frequent due to shifting atmospheric conditions.
Across many Indian states, people are battling scorching temperatures, dehydration risks and heatwave alerts, while mountain communities in Ladakh and Kashmir are dealing with snowfall, rain and road disruptions at the same time. The contrasting weather conditions highlight how rapidly changing climate patterns are affecting different regions in unexpected ways.
Tourism operators in Ladakh said the fresh snow has created breathtaking scenery for visitors, but it has also increased logistical challenges during the peak travel season. Highway workers and local administration teams continue to remain on alert as more rain and snowfall are possible in higher reaches over the coming days.
As extreme weather events become more unpredictable, officials are urging people to stay updated with forecasts and follow safety advisories carefully. India’s changing climate is now bringing unusual combinations of heat, rain and snow together, often within the same week.