Garhwal Post Bureau
Dehradun, 26 Jun: The southwest monsoon is poised to advance into Uttarakhand over the next few days, with the India Meteorological Department’s Dehradun centre forecasting widespread rainfall between 28 June and 2 July. Although the formal onset has not yet been declared officially, indications have been given that the monsoon may reach the state on 28 or 29 June even as pre-monsoon showers have already begun in several parts of the state. The IMD has issued a yellow alert for heavy rainfall in districts including Pithoragarh, Bageshwar, Nainital and Champawat, cautioning the residents and travellers to remain alert.
According to the forecast, thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and gusty winds of 40–50 km/h are likely in the hill districts on 27 and 28 June. Light to moderate rain is expected across most parts of the state from 28 June onwards, with heavy rainfall predicted between 29 June and 1 July. Plains districts such as Haridwar and Udham Singh Nagar may also receive scattered showers. IMD scientist Rohit Thapliyal confirmed that rainfall activity will intensify after 28 June, with widespread showers across Kumaon and parts of Garhwal.
The IMD advisory urges people to stay indoors during thunderstorms, keep doors and windows closed, and avoid contact with electrical appliances. Travellers are advised to exercise caution on hill roads, while residents near landslide prone slopes and riverbanks should remain vigilant. The department has also warned of possible landslides and waterlogging in sensitive areas.
At the same time, Dehradun is expected to remain largely sunny until 28 June with maximum temperatures around 36 to 37 deg C. Rainfall activity will increase from 29 June, with light showers on 30 June, heavy rain on 1 July and continued showers on 2 July. The IMD’s national bulletin also has confirmed that the conditions are favourable for the southwest monsoon to advance into Uttarakhand within the next three to four days, marking the state’s first major monsoon spell of the season.
With the yellow alert in place, possible disruptions, landslides and waterlogging in many parts can be expected and at the same time the farmers are advised to take advantage of the rainfall for sowing and crop planning. The coming week is expected to mark the decisive arrival of the monsoon in Uttarakhand.
It may also be recalled that normally, the monsoon reaches the state around 20 June and before that the pre monsoon rains begin in most places including in Dehradun. However, this year, ostensibly due to El Nino effect in force, the monsoon in the country has been affected significantly and the progress and the strength of the monsoon has been adversely affected across the country. The monsoon had touched Kerala, delayed by just a few days as compared to the normal time of entry but then it got stalled. However, now the monsoon is stated to be making progress though much behind the normal schedule. This year, rains have been predicted to be short by around 40 percent of the normal average in the country and by 10 to 15 percent in of the normal average in Uttarakhand.
