Uttarakhand Weather Alert: Rain, Snowfall, and Stormy Winds Predicted Until April 24, IMD Issues Yellow Alert:

Travel plans to the hills might need a second thought as the Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a fresh weather alert for Uttarakhand. A powerful Western Disturbance is active over the Himalayan region, bringing a mix of rain, thunderstorms, and high-altitude snowfall to the state. Residents and tourists are advised to stay cautious as these conditions are expected to prevail until April 24.

Snowfall in High Altitudes: Chardham Circuits Impacted

The peaks of the state, particularly areas above 3,500 meters, are witnessing a fresh spell of snowfall.

Affected Areas: Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri, and Yamunotri are likely to see light to moderate snow.

Temperature Drop: The sudden snow has caused a significant dip in mercury, bringing back the winter chill in districts like Chamoli, Uttarkashi, and Pithoragarh.

Thunderstorms and Strong Winds in the Plains

It’s not just the hills; the foothills and plains are also on alert. The IMD has predicted:

Lightning & Thunder: Yellow alert for thunderstorms accompanied by lightning in Dehradun, Haridwar, and Udham Singh Nagar.

Gale-force Winds: Squally winds with speeds reaching 30–40 kmph are expected to lash several parts of the state.

Hailstorm Warning: Some isolated pockets in the Kumaon and Garhwal regions might witness hailstorms, which could impact standing crops.

Travel Advisory for Tourists and Pilgrims

With the weather turning unpredictable, the administration has urged commuters to be careful on hilly roads due to potential landslides and slippery conditions.

Check local weather updates before heading to high-altitude treks.

Carry essential woolens as night temperatures are dropping below normal.

Stay away from loose structures and trees during periods of strong winds.

What to Expect After April 24?

The weather department suggests that while the intensity of the Western Disturbance will peak between April 20 and 22, the weather will likely start stabilizing after April 24. A gradual rise in temperature is expected across the state once the skies clear up toward the end of next week.