By Arun Pratap Singh
Garhwal Post Bureau
Dehradun, 23 Jan: After a prolonged dry spell, the weather in Uttarakhand has finally taken a favourable turn, bringing widespread rain in the plains and the season’s first snowfall in the higher reaches. The first snowfall in the mountains and rainfall in lower areas have brought huge relief to the tourists, hoteliers, farmers and orchardists. With the change in weather, the hills have once again been draped in a pristine white cover, transforming popular hill destinations into breathtaking winter landscapes.
In Dehradun, it has been raining since early morning and is likely to continue through the night. The Weather Centre of Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted that snowfall and rainfall are likely to last till 28 January. Huge traffic jams are being reported along Dehradun-Mussoorie Road following the rainfall and snowfall in the hill station. Today being a Friday and with weather like this likely to continue for next few days, not much respite from traffic jams is expected on this route.
The higher altitude areas of Chakrata, including Lokhandi, Koti Kanasar, Devban, Mundali, Moila Top, Asmarh, Khadamba, Mashak and Mandoi, witnessed fresh snowfall, making the surrounding hills glow like silver. The snowfall, which began with the arrival of spring and coincided with Vasant Panchami, had been eagerly awaited for weeks. As snowflakes fluttered down, tourists visiting the region were seen celebrating the snowfall, dancing and revelling on the roads, as the local residents watched with visible delight.
The change in weather has also led to a significant drop in temperatures, intensifying the cold conditions across hill stations. From Chakrata to Mukhba, the winter seat of the Ganga, snowfall has caused a sharp chill, while tourism activity has picked up pace once again. Hotels in Lokhandi and nearby areas are reported to be fully occupied after a period of cancellations triggered by the prolonged absence of snowfall. Local hoteliers say inquiries and bookings have surged sharply, reviving hopes for a strong tourism season.
The weather system has impacted several other parts of the state as well. Light to moderate snowfall has been reported in Kedarnath, Gangotri, Yamunotri, Badrinath and Hemkund Sahib, while Mussoorie, Dhanaulti, Surkanda and surrounding areas have experienced light snowfall for the first time this season. In Mussoorie, the Lal Tibba area received fresh snow, drawing large numbers of visitors who had been waiting to witness the winter spectacle. Dhanaulti also recorded its first snowfall of the season, bringing renewed enthusiasm among those associated with the tourism sector.
In Uttarkashi district, the weather changed suddenly, with snowfall reported in Mukhba and the disaster-affected Dharali region. Snowfall around Gangotri and Yamunotri has led to a steep fall in temperatures, intensifying the cold wave conditions. At the same time, lower-altitude regions, including Dehradun and several adjoining areas, have been experiencing intermittent rain and drizzle since morning, accompanied by overcast skies.
The snowfall and rainfall have brought welcome relief to the farming and horticulture communities, particularly apple growers, who were struggling due to prolonged weather uncertainty. Experts believe the late but sustained snowfall will help recharge water sources, improve soil moisture and reduce the likelihood of water scarcity during the summer months. Although snowfall usually occurs in November and December, its arrival towards the end of January is still expected to prove beneficial for agriculture and orchards.
In New Tehri and nearby areas, light drizzle has been reported, while in Rudraprayag district, cloud cover and falling temperatures have increased the chill. With snowfall now underway across several hill districts, people have resorted to bonfires and warm clothing to cope with the intensifying cold. As Uttarakhand’s valleys and peaks remain cloaked in fresh snow, the long-awaited return of winter has not only enhanced the state’s natural beauty but has also restored optimism among those whose livelihoods depend heavily on favourable weather.
The Meteorological Department has issued an orange alert for the district, warning of snowfall in areas above 2,300 metres, while other regions may experience hailstorms, lightning and strong winds blowing at speeds of 40 to 50 kilometres per hour. According to the department, the prevailing weather conditions are likely to persist across the state till 28 January.
