By Arun Pratap Singh
Garhwal Post Bureau
Dehradun, 29 Jun: Widespread light to moderate rainfall accompanied by cool winds brought much-needed relief from the prevailing heat and humidity across Uttarakhand today. After the rains, pleasant weather prevailed in Dehradun and several other districts. After nearly a week of sweltering conditions, changing weather patterns led to a noticeable fall in temperatures, providing respite to residents in both the plains and the hills. Heavy rainfall has been forecast for the next four days in Uttarakhand, even before the official onset of the monsoon. In view of this, the Disaster Management Department has issued an alert. Pilgrims undertaking the Char Dham Yatra, in particular, have been urged to avoid traveling during the rainy spell.
Light showers and intermittent rain have been reported today from Dehradun, Tehri Garhwal, Uttarkashi and Chamoli districts, while several parts of Bageshwar and Almora in Kumaon division also received some rainfall. In Dehradun, the day began with light drizzle, followed by spells of moderate rain, which, although brief, were sufficient to bring down temperatures and significantly improve weather conditions. It rained in Doiwala Block, Raipur Block including in parts of the city and in Mussoorie while dense clouds were reported in Chaktrata and Rishikesh.
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD) and the Meteorological Centre, Dehradun, pre-monsoon activity has intensified over Uttarakhand and is expected to continue over the next 24 to 48 hours. The weather office has forecast generally cloudy skies with one or two spells of rain or thundershowers over Dehradun later tonight, while intermittent rainfall is also likely tomorrow. The maximum temperature in Dehradun was recorded to be around 36 degrees Celsius today with the minimum expected to remain around 26 degrees Celsius, before dropping further to nearly 34 degrees Celsius and 25 degrees Celsius respectively tomorrow owing to increased rainfall activity.
The Meteorological Centre has also forecast light to moderate rain accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning at isolated places across several districts, including Dehradun, Nainital and Bageshwar. Heavy rainfall is likely at isolated locations, while gusty winds with speeds of 30 to 40 kmph may accompany thunderstorms in parts of the State today and tomorrow. Residents have been advised to remain cautious during adverse weather conditions, particularly in hilly areas where landslides, falling debris and temporary road blockages remain a possibility. People have also been advised to avoid taking shelter under trees and to remain indoors during lightning activity in view of possible winds and thunderstorms.
It may be recalled that the past week had witnessed persistently high temperatures and oppressive humidity, particularly in the plains, making daytime conditions uncomfortable and nights equally sultry. However, cloud cover developed over much of the state this morning, followed by the rain and cool winds resulting in considerable relief. The reduction in temperatures was most noticeable in Dehradun and adjoining districts, while hill stations also experienced pleasant weather.
The changing weather pattern has also raised expectations of the arrival of the southwest monsoon in Uttarakhand. According to the latest IMD update, atmospheric conditions are favourable for further advance of the southwest monsoon over northern parts of the country, including Uttarakhand, over the next few days. Weather experts believe the monsoon could make its formal onset over the state later this week if prevailing conditions continue.
The Meteorological Centre has issued a rainfall warning for most parts of the state from June 29 to July 3. Strong winds accompanied by rain are expected in both the mountainous and plain regions of the state during this four-day period. Consequently, the Meteorological Centre has offered various precautionary recommendations. In light of the forecast for rain over the next four days, the Disaster Management Department has issued an alert, and officials have been instructed to remain on high alert. The IMD has further indicated that rainfall activity is likely to increase gradually across Uttarakhand during the coming days, leading to a further decline of three to four degrees Celsius in maximum temperatures, particularly over the plains where temperatures had remained above normal in recent days. While the cooler weather has been welcomed by residents across the State, authorities have urged people, especially those travelling in mountainous areas, to remain vigilant in view of the possibility of heavy rainfall, landslides, lightning and temporary disruption of road connectivity.
