What caused unseasonal snowfall in Kargil?

Snow blanketed Kargil on the morning of April 19. Villagers stepped out expecting the usual spring chill. Instead, they saw orchards destroyed. Apricot trees, once blooming with fresh blossoms, had snapped under the weight of late-season snow. Farmers stood in silence, staring at the damage. For many, this was not just bad weather. It was a personal loss.

Hardass, Chanigund, Karkitchoo, and Badgam were among the worst-hit villages. Farmers here rely on the short horticulture season. Apricots and apples are their main income. With the snowfall coming right in the middle of the blossom season, the damage was immediate and severe. Broken branches, fallen trees, and crushed buds signalled lost crops.

The snowstorm came with little warning. Though the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) had issued a red alert, few expected snow this late in April. Along with snow, heavy rains triggered landslides and blocked major roads. The Srinagar-Leh National Highway shut down after landslides at Lamayuru. The Kargil-Zanskar road was also closed.

Power lines snapped. Snow-laden trees fell on roads and rooftops. Entire villages were cut off from basic services.

Science behind unseasonal snowfall

So why did Kargil see snow in late April, when spring usually dominates the weather?

According to meteorologist experts, western disturbances are responsible for most weather changes in North India during winter and early spring. When a strong western disturbance moves in with enough moisture, it can cause rain or snowfall—even in April.

Western disturbances are low-pressure systems that form over the Mediterranean Sea. They move eastward, carrying moisture into northern India. In winter, they bring snow to Ladakh and Kashmir. By April, they usually weaken. But sometimes, strong systems linger or return.

Dr. Sandeepan Mukherjee from the GB Pant National Institute says,

“Global warming is disturbing western disturbances, making snowfall patterns more unpredictable in the Himalayas.” These western disturbances are weather systems that bring rain and snow to northern India. In recent years, they’ve become erratic.

Climate researchers also point to a growing trend in weather unpredictability.

Damage and response

The local administration moved quickly. Chairman and Chief Executive Councillor (CEC) Muhammad Jaffer Akhoon held an emergency meeting. Officials from roads, police, health, and agriculture departments joined. He directed the Additional Deputy Commissioner to assess damage quickly and document losses for compensation.

Snow-clearing teams were sent to main and inner routes. Power restoration was prioritised. Dewatering pumps were deployed to prevent flooding on key roads. Stranded tourists in Shakar Chiktan were provided shelter and food.

Councillor Abdul Wahid raised concerns for farmers.

“This snowfall has hit at the worst possible time,” he said. “Our farmers depend on this short season. I’ve contacted the MP, the CEC, and the DC to get immediate help.”

To ensure public safety, the Chief Education Officer ordered all schools in the district closed from April 21 to 23.

Meanwhile, the IMD issued an orange warning for April 20 and 21. It predicted more rain and snow, with risks of flash floods, landslides, and avalanches. Officials advised residents and tourists to avoid travel and shift to safer areas if needed.

Relief efforts are ongoing. Officials will prepare a full damage report once the weather clears. But the impact is already clear on the ground. Orchards are broken. Power is unstable. Schools are shut. And for many farmers, this spring has already ended in loss.

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