The season's first snowfall occurred in mountainous belts of Bhaderwah in Jammu and Kashmir on Saturday.
Fresh snowfall was reported in Kailash mountain range, Ashapati glacier Chatergali surrounding Bhaderwah Valley, leading to drop in mercury in Bhaderwah Valley on Saturday, officials said.
Rains also lashed mountainous belt of Doda, Bhaderwah Valley, Kishtwar and plains of Jammu division since last night till this morning, officials said.
"It is not unusual, as the snowfall is expected any time around and after festival of Janamashtami", Prof G M Bhat of Geology Department in Jammu University, said.
Snowfall took place ahead of famous Kailash Kund Yatra in these hills. The Yatra would commence from August 21 this year from Bhaderwah, the official added.
Last year, the Kailash mountain range, Ashapati glacier Chatergali, experienced season's first snowfall on September 15.