Baramulla, April 19, 2025: A sudden hailstorm coupled with rainfall hit Baramulla district in North Kashmir on Saturday, April 19, 2025, at approximately 12:35 PM IST, causing concern among residents and farmers. The brief but intense weather event, lasting about one minute in Baramulla town, signalled a fresh weather disturbance driven by an active Western Disturbance, as reported by local sources
The hailstorm affected areas including Baramulla town, Sopore, and nearby villages, raising alarms about potential damage to the region’s apple orchards, walnut groves, and vegetable crops, which are particularly vulnerable during the spring season. A 2023 study identified Baramulla as a hailstorm hotspot in North Kashmir, recording 203 such events between 2007 and 2022, with climate change intensifying their frequency. Previous storms, like the April 2022 event, devastated orchards in villages such as Puthwari Nowgam, and farmers fear similar losses this time.
The India Meteorological Department had predicted rain, thunderstorms, and hailstorms across Jammu and Kashmir due to a Western Disturbance active from April 16, with peak impacts expected on April 18–19. Baramulla’s weather matched this forecast, with temperatures dropping to a high of 11°C and rainfall accumulation estimated at 6–12 mm, according to The Weather Channel. The storm followed reports of fresh snowfall in higher areas like Gulmarg and Bandipora’s Gurez Valley, highlighting the region’s erratic weather patterns.
Residents reported minor disruptions, including waterlogging in areas like Azad Gunj and along the Srinagar-Baramulla National Highway, where inadequate drainage remains a persistent issue, as seen during February 2025 rains. “The hail was sharp but brief. Our orchards are at risk,” said Ghulam Mohammad, a farmer in Kreeri. No immediate casualties or significant structural damage were reported, but the district administration is evaluating potential agricultural impacts.
Baramulla’s horticulture sector, a key economic driver, faces growing threats from climate-driven weather events. The 2023 study projected increased hailstorm frequency through 2040, prompting calls for protective measures like anti-hail nets. The Jammu and Kashmir government, recently engaging with investors like Dhunseri Group for industrial growth in Kathua, is also urged to bolster agricultural resilience.
The administration has advised residents to monitor weather updates and take precautions, especially farmers safeguarding crops. The Western Disturbance is expected to weaken by April 21, with clearer skies forecast for Baramulla by mid-week. Amid challenges, North Kashmir’s spirit remains strong, reflected in recent milestones like the Amarnath Yatra 2025’s 4,200 Day 1 registrations and Emversity’s new Srinagar campus.