By Arun Pratap Singh
Garhwal Post Bureau
DEHRADUN, 4 Dec: After a prolonged dry spell in Uttarakhand, the weather is set to change over next few days. The weather has remained dry in recent days, with the prevailing cold causing discomfort to people and leading to ailments such as cough, cold, and fever. However, the Meteorological Department has now issued a forecast indicating a change in weather conditions from today ( Dec 5) with rain and snowfall expected in several hill districts.
As per the forecast, light rains and snowfall are likely to begin in the high hills from today. The forecast specifically mentions parts of Uttarkashi, Chamoli, and Pithoragarh districts, where light rain is expected while in areas situated above 3,200 metres, snowfall can be expected.. According to the department, two districts in the Garhwal, namely Uttarkashi and Chamoli and the Pithoragarh district in Kumaon, are likely to experience rain and snow today onwards.
The Meteorological Department has clarified that snowfall will mostly occur in higher reaches above 3,200 metres in these districts, while lower regions will receive light to very light rain. The remaining ten districts of the state are expected to remain dry over next few days.
As per the forecast, the weather will clear on Saturday but will change again on Sunday and Monday (7 & 8), when rain and snowfall are predicted once more in Uttarkashi, Chamoli, and Pithoragarh. The same pattern is expected to continue on Monday before conditions are likely to turn dry again on Tuesday. The department has cautioned that this spell of rain and snowfall will intensify the cold.
The meteorologists have stated that although the rain and snowfall will lead to a drop in temperature, they will provide relief from the prevailing dry cold, which is considered more harmful to health. The department has also forecast a fall of 1 to 2 degrees Celsius in the minimum temperature across Uttarakhand over the next one to two days. In addition, light to moderate fog is expected in some valleys of the hills as well in the plains and in this regard the department has issued an advisory for the vehicle drivers to exercise extra caution on mountain roads and avoid late evening travel.
The State Weather Centre of IMD in Dehradun has further indicated that the weather could begin changing from tonight itself, with chances of light rain in some districts and snowfall in areas above 3,500 metres. In view of this forecast, the Disaster Management Department has made preparations. Meanwhile, Chief Minister Dhami had directed officials a few days ago to ensure adequate arrangements in all night shelters and to organise bonfires at public places to protect people from the cold and the cold wave.
