Garhwal Post Bureau
DEHRADUN, 14 Mar: The weather in Uttarakhand is likely to deteriorate in the coming days, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) advising people to remain cautious in several districts of the State. According to the latest forecast issued by the Meteorological Department, a Yellow Alert has been issued for the next 24 to 36 hours as changing weather conditions begin to affect parts of the State.
The Yellow Alert has been made effective from 1:45 pm on March 14 until Sunday evening. During this period, there is a possibility of thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and gusty winds in several hill districts. Weather officials have indicated that sudden changes in weather conditions may occur in parts of Uttarkashi, Rudraprayag, Chamoli, Bageshwar and Pithoragarh districts. In particular, areas such as Barkot and Purola in Uttarkashi district, Joshimath, Badrinath, Urgam Valley and Tharali in Chamoli district, Kapkot in Bageshwar district and Munsiyari and Berinag in Pithoragarh district are likely to witness lightning activity along with strong winds blowing at speeds of around 40 to 50 kilometres per hour.
The State Meteorological Centre in Dehradun has also issued a broader advisory regarding the changing weather pattern. According to the centre, rainfall is likely in the hill districts between March 14-19 while higher altitude regions may witness snowfall during this period. During these days, rain is also likely to occur in the plains of the State for nearly three days as the weather system becomes active over the western Himalayan region. The change in weather is being attributed to the influence of an active western disturbance affecting northern India, which is expected to trigger rainfall, thunderstorms and gusty winds across parts of the State.
The weather has begun to turn cloudy in several parts of the state including Dehradun and adjoining plains, while light rainfall has been reported in isolated areas of the hills at the time of filing of this report. The meteorologists have indicated that rainfall and thunderstorm activity may intensify during the next 24 to 48 hours, particularly in the mountainous regions of the state.
The Meteorological Department has also issued an Orange Alert for March 15 and 16. On Sunday districts including Dehradun, Haridwar, Udham Singh Nagar, Tehri Garhwal, Pauri Garhwal, Nainital and Champawat may witness thundercloud development accompanied by lightning and the possibility of hailstorms at isolated places. During this period, heavy spells of rain may occur at some locations in the hill districts, while the plains may experience thunderstorms and sudden strong winds.
Similarly, the Orange Alert will remain in force on March 16 for the same plain districts, with the possibility of lightning, thunderstorms and hailstorms. Gusty winds during this period may reach speeds of 50 to 60 kilometres per hour, while heavy rainfall may occur at several places in the hill districts.
According to the forecast, weather conditions may remain relatively calm on March 17 but on March 18, the possibility of thunderstorms and lightning may once again arise in districts such as Uttarkashi, Rudraprayag, Chamoli, Bageshwar and Pithoragarh.
Meteorologists have advised residents and travellers to remain cautious during periods of adverse weather, particularly in hilly regions where sudden storms, lightning and strong winds can create hazardous conditions. People travelling in mountainous areas have been advised to remain alert and follow weather advisories issued by the authorities.
