By Our Staff Reporter
Dehradun, 31 Jan: The first snowfall of the season was recorded early this morning in the higher reaches of Uttarakhand. Although the State Weather Centre of the Government of India in Dehradun had predicted snowfall in the higher reaches, and rainfall in several lower regions, it did not rain in the lower regions except in some parts of Chakrata area.
The Meteorological Department has predicted rainfall for tonight or tomorrow. It remains to be seen if this happens.
Snowfall was recorded in Chakrata bringing smiles on the faces of not only the tourists and hoteliers, but also of farmers and orchardists. The mood changed and the first snowfall of the season occurred in Lokhandi, Chakrata. In addition, it also rained in lower regions of Chakrata region. Snowfall was also recorded in Gangotri and Yamunotri valleys, last night, and this morning. There was snowfall in Gangotri and Yamunotri Dham and nearby areas in the early morning and rain in Barkot tehsil area. Due to change in weather, a significant drop in temperature was recorded in the day today due to snowfall in high altitude areas.
It may be recalled that the Meteorological Centre has predicted rain and snowfall in areas located at an altitude of more than 2500 metres in the state. The maximum temperature recorded in the day in Dehradun was around 17 degrees Celsius and the minimum temperature is likely to remain around 8 degrees Celsius.
According to the Meteorological Department, a western disturbance has hit the Himalayan regions. Clouds are hovering in the mountainous areas. As a result, heavy to very heavy snowfall has been predicted at isolated places in Uttarkashi, Chamoli, Rudraprayag, Pithoragarh and Bageshwar districts tonight and tomorrow. Apart from this, an orange alert was issued regarding heavy rain and hailstorm at some places in other districts. Light to moderate rain and snowfall has been predicted at isolated places from 2 to 5 February and good rain is expected for two days in the plains as well. From February 2 to 5, there may be snowfall in areas at a height of 2500 to 3000 metres.
It may be recalled that there has been no rain or snowfall in the state in the past two and half months. Now there is hope that the weather is likely to remain pleasant over the next few days and some rainfall in lower region. It had rained last in November in the lower areas of the state.
According to Bikram Singh, Director of the Meteorological Centre, warning of heavy rain and hailstorm has also been issued at some places. In most areas, a drop in temperature of four to six degrees Celsius may be recorded.
It may be pertinent to remind that the farmers and orchardists in the state have been waiting for rain and snowfall for a long time.
