Rain and Snow Bring Relief to Himalayan States Amid Severe Heatwave Across North India

Western Disturbance Changes Weather in Himalayan Region

While large parts of India continue to suffer under an intense heatwave, several northern Himalayan states have received much-needed relief due to fresh rain and snowfall triggered by a western disturbance. Heavy rainfall has been reported in Jammu and Kashmir, while higher reaches of Himachal Pradesh and Ladakh witnessed snowfall, bringing down temperatures in the region.

According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), weather conditions are expected to remain unstable in Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand over the next few days.

Rain, Thunderstorms and Strong Winds Forecast

The IMD has predicted light to moderate rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms, lightning, and strong winds reaching speeds of 40–50 kmph in several northern states on May 22.

Popular tourist destinations such as Gulmarg, Sonamarg, Pahalgam, Drass, and several areas of Ladakh are likely to witness fresh snowfall. Snowfall is also expected in the higher regions of Himachal Pradesh, including Rohtang Pass, Lahaul-Spiti, and Kinnaur.

Meanwhile, Uttarakhand is also expected to experience rain, thunderstorms, and gusty winds on May 22 and 23.

Fresh Snowfall Recorded in Kashmir

Fresh snowfall was recorded on Thursday in several high-altitude areas of Jammu and Kashmir, including the Gurez sector of Bandipora district, the Zojila Pass along the Srinagar-Leh National Highway, and Sonamarg.

Several other parts of the Kashmir Valley were also covered under a fresh white layer of snow, creating picturesque scenes and providing temporary respite from rising temperatures.

The IMD has stated that moderate rainfall and thunderstorms are likely to continue in Jammu and Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh through the weekend.

Heatwave Continues Across Plains of North India

Even as the Himalayan states witnessed pleasant weather conditions, severe heatwave conditions continue to affect the plains of North India.

States including Punjab, Haryana, Delhi-NCR, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, and Madhya Pradesh are still experiencing extreme heat. Meteorologists say there is little chance of any major drop in temperature on May 22.

Cities such as Delhi, Chandigarh, Jaipur, Lucknow, and Amritsar are expected to continue facing heatwave-like conditions over the next few days.

Dust Storms and Rain Likely in Punjab and Chandigarh

Under the influence of western disturbances, some areas of Punjab and Chandigarh may receive rainfall accompanied by dust storms on Friday and Saturday. However, weather experts believe the impact of this system will remain limited and may not significantly affect Haryana, Delhi, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, and central India.

Authorities have advised people to avoid stepping out during peak afternoon hours and to stay hydrated amid the continuing heatwave.

Experts Monitor Changing Weather Patterns

Weather experts say active western disturbances over the Himalayan region are currently providing limited relief from pre-monsoon heat in parts of North India. However, no widespread rainfall activity is expected across the northern plains in the immediate future.

As heatwave conditions persist in several states, officials continue to monitor changing weather patterns closely ahead of the upcoming monsoon season.