By Arun Pratap Singh
Garhwal Post Bureau
Dehradun, 10 Jun: India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast a spell of unsettled weather across Uttarakhand over the next few days, with thunderstorms, lightning, hailstorms and gusty winds likely in several districts, including in Dehradun. The weather is expected to become particularly active on 11 and 12 June, when intense to very intense spells of rain are likely at isolated places in the hill districts of the state.
According to the Meteorological Centre, Dehradun, isolated places in Dehradun, Tehri, Pauri, Haridwar, Nainital, Champawat, Pithoragarh and Udham Singh Nagar districts are likely to experience thunderstorms accompanied by lightning, hail and gusty winds with speeds reaching 50-60 kmph on 11 and 12 June. The remaining districts are also likely to witness thunderstorms with lightning and winds of 40-50 kmph.
The IMD has warned that intense to very intense spells of rainfall may occur in the hill districts during this period, raising the possibility of localised landslides, rockfalls, temporary road blockages, waterlogging in low-lying areas and overflowing streams and rivulets. Damage to horticulture crops, plantations, parked vehicles and power and communication lines is also possible due to hailstorms and strong winds.
For Dehradun, residents can expect cloudy conditions with intermittent rain, thunderstorms and gusty winds over the next two days. The city has been specifically included in the weather warning issued for 11 and 12 June. Authorities have advised people to remain indoors during thunderstorms, avoid taking shelter under trees and stay away from objects that conduct electricity during lightning activity.
The IMD has further indicated that maximum temperatures across Uttarakhand may rise by 1-2 degrees Celsius during the next 24 hours before declining by 2-4 degrees Celsius over the subsequent two to three days as rainfall activity intensifies.
State authorities have been advised to take all necessary precautionary measures, while commuters, residents of landslide-prone areas and those living near seasonal streams have been urged to remain vigilant during the forecast period.
