By Arun Pratap Singh
Garhwal Post Bureau
Dehradun, 24 Apr: Uttarakhand is again likely to witness a change in weather conditions, bringing relief from the rising heat. It may be reminded here that over the past few days, the temperatures have climbed steadily across both the plains and the hill districts, with the unusual rise more pronounced in the hills, where heat has been felt beyond normal levels. According to the Indian Meteorological Department’s State Weather Centre in Dehradun, the plains have recorded an increase of nearly 3 Deg C while hill districts have seen a rise of up to 4 Deg C, creating discomfort in areas that are usually cooler.
Daytime heat and warm winds have affected daily life particularly in the plains including in Dehradun, Haridwar and Udham Singh Nagar districts even as the nights too have offered little respite as temperatures have remained higher than the average normal range. However, the latest forecasts suggest that relief may be on its way. Light rainfall is expected in several hill districts including Uttarkashi, Chamoli, Rudraprayag, Pithoragarh and Bageshwar within the next 24 hours. Cloudy skies and drizzle could also turn the weather pleasant and bring down the temperatures.
The department has further indicated that between 25 and 27 April, light showers are likely across most parts of the state, except Udham Singh Nagar and Haridwar districts where the rainfall activity may be limited. Continuous rain in the hills is expected to lower temperatures and increase coolness in the atmosphere. From 28 April, weather activity may intensify, particularly in higher altitudes above 4,000 metres where light snowfall is anticipated. This development is significant for trekking and mountaineering zones.
An alert has been issued for three days starting 25 April, warning of sudden weather changes and strong winds. On 28 April, wind speeds could reach 50 to 60 km per hour, prompting advice for caution. Such fluctuations are part of normal pre-monsoon activity, yet the abrupt rise in temperatures followed by rain and snowfall reflects the unstable nature of the season. Agriculture, tourism and daily life are also expected to be impacted. While the rainfall will be beneficial for crops but strong winds and sudden shifts can pose undue risks. The tourists however may be drawn to the cool weather and snowfall in the state, though adverse conditions could disrupt travel.
CS Tomar, Director of the Uttarakhand Meteorological Centre, stated that signs of change are evident and rainfall along with snowfall in some hill districts cannot be ruled out in the coming days. The evolving weather pattern is likely to bring both relief and challenges across the state.
