In an unprecedented weather event, the northern regions of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Gilgit-Baltistan, including the well-known Babusar Top, experienced snowfall in June for the first time in recorded history.
The unexpected snow blanketed the mountain peaks and high-altitude areas, transforming the summer landscape into a winter-like scene. Local residents and tourists expressed relief at the rare weather phenomenon, as it provided a welcome break from the intense heat that had affected much of the region in recent weeks.
“We were not expecting snow at this time of year. It feels like winter in June,” said Shahzad Malik, a tourist from Rawalpindi visiting Babusar Pass. “The cool winds and snowfall are a huge relief after weeks of intense heat.”
Weather officials confirmed that a western disturbance had entered northern Pakistan, resulting in light to moderate snowfall in elevated areas such as Babusar, Naran, upper Chilas, and parts of Skardu. In some locations, temperatures dropped by over 10 degrees Celsius overnight.
Local businesses, especially those in the tourism sector, welcomed the unusual snowfall. Hotel owners and tour operators in Naran and Gilgit reported a sudden increase in bookings, as people sought to enjoy the unexpected cool weather.
“This is a golden opportunity for tourism,” said Asadullah Khan, a hotel manager in Naran. “People want to escape the heat, and now they’re experiencing a taste of winter in June.”
Meteorologists have labelled this event as “highly unusual” and a potential sign of changing climate patterns. While many have celebrated the snowfall, experts have also urged authorities to examine the long-term impacts of such anomalies on local ecosystems and agriculture.
As the snow continues to fall in higher altitudes, authorities have advised travellers to exercise caution due to slippery roads and sudden weather changes, particularly on the Mansehra-Naran-Jalkhad (MNJ) Road and Babusar Pass.
Read also: Top 5 tourist attractions in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to visit in summer
