Severe Winds and Hailstorm Cause Damage in Sopore, Kashmir

June 16, 2026

Srinagar, June 16: Severe winds and hailstorms on Tuesday led to significant damage in the Sopore area of Kashmir, with several roofs blown off homes.

In the evening, various parts of the valley experienced heavy rain, thunderstorms, and hail. Reports indicate that the strong winds in Sopore resulted in the destruction of some rooftops. Hail was also reported in Nishat, located on the outskirts of Srinagar.

The weather in the valley has been unpredictable over the past week. The hailstorm has severely impacted apple orchards in both southern and northern regions. Additionally, nurseries for vegetables and rice, which were intended for planting in fields, have also suffered damage.

The local meteorological department has issued warnings for Kupwara, Baramulla, Bandipora, Ganderbal, and surrounding areas, including parts of Budgam, the Sonamarg-Baltal-Pahalgam routes, and Tral. They predict rain, thunderstorms, and hail in these regions, along with the possibility of strong winds and lightning.

Residents are advised to stay indoors during storms and avoid loose structures, electrical wires, and old trees. Tourists and locals are also cautioned against boating and shikara rides on Dal Lake and other water bodies.

The advisory highlights the likelihood of heavy rain and hail in Kupwara, Baramulla, Bandipora, and parts of southern Kashmir, which could lead to sudden flooding and landslides.

Currently, the weather in the Kashmir Valley remains highly unstable. The region experiences unexpected heat waves, followed by sudden thunderstorms, heavy rainfall, and intense hailstorms. Recent weather changes have significantly altered the area’s traditional temperate climate, which typically features mild temperatures.

In recent times, temperatures in Srinagar have reached record highs of 37 degrees Celsius. This alarming trend is attributed to global warming, deforestation, and rapid urbanization. Increased humidity in the hot air has created significant atmospheric instability, resulting in sudden hailstorms and severe thunderstorms that frequently damage agricultural lands.