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The pristine hills of Uttarakhand are bracing for a prolonged spell of turbulent weather. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a fresh yellow and orange alert for the state, predicting a mix of heavy rain, thunderstorms, and snowfall over the next six days. Driven by an active Western Disturbance, this wet spell is expected to keep temperatures significantly below normal across the Himalayan region until the first week of April.
IMD’s 6-Day Forecast: Snow in the High Peaks, Rain in the Valleys
According to the latest bulletin from the Meteorological Centre, Dehradun, the state will witness varied weather patterns starting today:
High Altitude Snowfall: Districts like Uttarkashi, Chamoli, Rudraprayag, Bageshwar, and Pithoragarh are likely to receive fresh snowfall in areas located above 3,500 meters.
Thunderstorms & Lightning: An Orange Alert has been issued for March 31, warning of thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and gusty winds reaching speeds of 40–50 kmph.
Hailstorm Warning: Isolated pockets in the hilly districts, as well as the foothills, might witness hailstorms, which could pose a risk to standing crops and orchards.
District-Wise Impact: What to Expect
| Region | Expected Weather | Alert Level |
|---|---|---|
| Upper Himalayas (Char Dham area) | Moderate Snowfall & Blizzards | Orange Alert |
| Hilly Districts (Tehri, Almora, Pauri) | Light to Moderate Rain & Hail | Yellow Alert |
| Plains (Dehradun, Haridwar, US Nagar) | Light Showers & Thunder | Caution Advised |
Timeline of the Wet Spell
March 31 – April 1: Peak activity with widespread rain and lightning across the state.
April 2 – April 3: A slight reduction in intensity, though scattered showers will continue in the inner Himalayas.
April 4 – April 5: A second wave of Western Disturbance is expected to re-intensify the rain and snow, extending the chilly conditions.
Safety Advisory for Tourists and Locals
With the Char Dham Yatra preparations in full swing, the administration has urged travelers to be cautious.
Avoid High Passes: Trekking and high-altitude travel should be avoided during lightning alerts.
Farmers' Caution: Fruit growers in the apple belt are advised to take precautions against potential hailstorms.
Stay Updated: Commuters on the Rishikesh-Badrinath and Rishikesh-Gangotri highways should check for landslide updates before traveling.
Temperature Check: While the plains of North India are starting to heat up, Dehradun and Nainital are expected to see a dip of 3–5°C in maximum temperatures, making it a perfect (albeit wet) getaway for those fleeing the heat
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