Dehradun: The weather in Uttarakhand has taken a dramatic turn since this morning, with heavy rain reported in the mountainous regions.
The Meteorological Department has issued a warning for hailstorm accompanied by thunder in seven districts today. Additionally, rain and snowfall are expected in five hill districts.
High-altitude areas have already begun to see rainfall
As of Thursday morning, many districts are experiencing cloudy skies, and high-altitude areas have already begun to see rainfall. The weather forecast indicates that Dehradun, Pauri, Tehri, Haridwar, Nainital, Champawat, and Udham Singh Nagar may witness hail storms with thunder today. Light rain is expected in Uttarkashi, Chamoli, Rudraprayag, Bageshwar, and Pithoragarh, with snowfall anticipated in areas at an altitude of 2800 meters and above.
Weather department’s warning of hailstorm and thunder in seven districts
The tourist influx to Uttarakhand’s winter destinations has also been on the rise. The weather department’s warning of hailstorm and thunder in seven districts has added to the anticipation of a weather shift. The conditions are expected to change across all districts today, with possibilities of rain and snowfall in the hilly areas on 21 February as well. On Wednesday, Dehradun recorded a maximum temperature of 27 degrees Celsius and a minimum of 9.2 degrees Celsius.
Kedarnath, Gangotri, and Yamunotri are experiencing heavy snowfall
The heavy rain and snowfall have turned Uttarakhand’s hills into a picturesque paradise. Areas like Kedarnath, Gangotri, and Yamunotri are experiencing heavy snowfall, blanketing the regions in a beautiful white layer. In Uttarkashi’s Harshil valley and higher altitude areas, snowfall continues, and dense clouds cover the lower regions. The scenic view of snowfall in Mukhaba, the winter residence of Ma Ganga, is especially mesmerizing.
Snowfall also persists in Kharsali village, the winter residence of Ma Yamuna, and surrounding areas. Yamunotri Dham and its vicinity, including Kharshali village and Janakichatti, have been receiving snowfall since early morning, while lower areas are experiencing drizzling rain.
About six inches of fresh snow in Badrinath Dham
Continuous snowfall over the past two days has accumulated about six inches of fresh snow in Badrinath Dham. Consequently, the District Magistrate has canceled the program of visiting the Dham with top officials. The pilgrimage to Badrinath Dham is scheduled to begin on 4 May, and preparations for the Yatra, including drinking water, electricity, sewer, and road infrastructure, are set to commence in March.
Residents and tourists are advised to stay alert
Residents and tourists are advised to stay alert and take necessary precautions as the weather conditions evolve. The state authorities are monitoring the situation closely to ensure the safety and well-being of everyone in the affected areas.