Snow Falls In Higher Reaches Of Uttarakhand; Snow Warning Has Been Issued In Some Districts

Mussoorie: Higher regions of Uttarakhand recorded light to moderate rain and snowfall, while the Meteorological Center in Dehradun has issued a snowfall warning in several hill districts as unsettled weather continues.

Light to moderate rain and snowfall was recorded in the higher reaches of Uttarakhand. (PTI)According to the Met Centre, snowfall and rain were recorded in Uttarkashi, Chamoli, Rudraprayag, Bageshwar and Pithoragarh districts in the last 24 hours till 8.30 am on Sunday in areas located at an altitude of 2,800 meters and above.

Mixed weather is likely to continue on Monday, with light to moderate rain and snow expected at some places in these districts, especially in high-altitude areas. Dehradun and Nainital districts may also witness very light to light rain or snow over isolated high-altitude areas, while the rest of the state’s districts may remain dry, the Met department said.

Issuing a yellow alert, the IMD Dehradun on Tuesday warned of thunderstorm with thundershowers at isolated places in Uttarkashi, Chamoli, Rudraprayag, Bageshwar and Pithoragarh districts. Thunderstorm with gusty winds (30-40 kmph) may also occur at isolated places over Dehradun, Pauri, Haridwar, Nainital and Udham Singh Nagar districts.

Also read: Orange alert issued for risk of avalanche as Uttarakhand highway blocked due to rain, snow

The State Emergency Control Center in Dehradun has issued a safety bulletin for high-altitude areas citing the dual threat of avalanches and unsettled weather.

According to the State Emergency Control Room, the Defense Geoinformatics Research Establishment (DGRE) has declared a danger level 2 (yellow alert) for Chamoli district for the risk of avalanche, valid for 24 hours from Sunday 5 pm to Monday 5 pm. A danger level 1 (green alert) has been issued for Rudraprayag and Pithoragarh, indicating the need for caution in snow-bound areas.

Authorities advised residents and tourists to avoid steep slopes and avalanche-prone areas, clear snow accumulations from roofs to prevent structural damage, and exercise caution when driving in snowy areas. People are advised to avoid stopping at risk areas and to be careful of trees and rocks that can act as obstacles during snow slides.

“Light snow and rain at isolated places is felt in higher regions. Currently active western depression is likely to prevail overnight. Another weak system is forming, but it will not have much impact, and weather conditions are expected to start clearing from February 4,” IMD Dehradun center director CS Tomar said.

In Uttarkashi district, light snowfall was reported in higher reaches of Yamunotri Dham, Kharsali and Gangotri areas. As a precautionary measure, the movement of passengers was temporarily stopped, officials of the District Disaster Management Authority said.

In the last 24 hours till 8.30 am on Sunday, Kashipur recorded the state’s maximum rainfall of 10 mm, followed by Jaspur (5 mm) and Uttarakhand Technical University area (4 mm). Chakrata, Kotdwar and Roorkee also reported light rainfall ranging from 2 mm to 2.3 mm.

The state also witnessed strong wind activity, with Jeolikot (Nainital) recording the highest surface wind speed of 50 kmph, followed by Champawat (44 kmph), Maldevata (41 kmph) and Kashipur (37 kmph).

Thunderstorms were recorded in Dehradun and the state recorded a maximum temperature of 25.1 degrees Celsius, with some parts of the plains experiencing bitterly cold conditions. Roorkee and Pantnagar officially recorded ‘cold day’ conditions, with maximum temperatures of 5.7 degrees Celsius and 4.6 degrees Celsius respectively.

Mukteshwar (Nainital) was the coldest state recording a minimum temperature of 3.8 degrees Celsius. Overall, maximum temperatures in the plains were appreciably below normal, while the hilly regions were much warmer than average.

Farmers across the hill district welcomed the fresh spell of rain and snow, saying it would benefit crops that were under pressure due to prolonged dry conditions in November and December last year. “Fresh spells of rain and snow have given new life to our crops. If this trend continues, it will help save the wheat, lentil and apple crops,” said Balak Ram, a farmer in Uttarkashi district.