Dehradun: Following the first snowfall of the year, Uttarakhand is experiencing a severe cold wave, with temperatures plummeting across the state. The Meteorological Department has issued a yellow alert for dense fog in several districts, including Dehradun, Haridwar, and Udham Singh Nagar.
According to the regional meteorological center, the sky over Dehradun will be clear today, but there is a possibility of fog in the morning. The maximum temperature is expected to be 19°C, while the minimum temperature will be around 8°C. Due to cold winds, the chill is being felt even during the day.
Impact of snowfall
The snowfall in high-altitude areas like Badrinath, Hemkund Sahib, and the Valley of Flowers has led to a significant drop in temperatures in the lower regions. The first snowfall of the season in Nainital has covered the beautiful valleys in a blanket of snow, adding to the chill.
Administration ordered to open the schools after 8.30 am
District Magistrate’s Directive: In view of the cold wave and dense fog, Dehradun District Officer Savin Bansal has instructed that all schools and Anganwadi centers in the district should open only after 8:30 am. This order will remain effective until January 31. The directive aims to protect the health of small children from the severe cold and fog. The district magistrate’s directive to delay school timings has been welcomed by parents, who are concerned about their children’s health in the harsh weather conditions.
Temperature on Sunday
On Sunday, the maximum temperature in Dehradun was recorded at 12.8°C, while the minimum temperature was 10.2°C. In Pantnagar, the maximum temperature was 22.5°C, and the minimum temperature was 8°C. Mukteshwar experienced a maximum temperature of 3.4°C and a minimum temperature of -1°C. New Tehri recorded a maximum temperature of 7.7°C and a minimum temperature of 2.3°C. while the Air Quality Index (AQI) of Dehradun was recorded at 239 on Sunday, falling in the poor category.
Weekly weather forecast
The meteorological centre, Dehradun has released a weekly weather forecast for Uttarakhand from January 13 to January 19. The weather is expected to remain dry across the state on Monday, with light to moderate fog in the morning and evening in the plains. The weather will remain dry on January 14 and 15, with a yellow alert for fog in several districts.
Rain and snowfall forecasted again due to western disturbance
The IMD has warned that a western disturbance may become active again on January 16, leading to light to moderate rain in the Kumaon and Garhwal divisions and snowfall in the high peaks. There is a possibility of rain and snowfall on January 17 as well.
Increased tourist footfall in the state
The recent snowfall has attracted tourists to high-altitude areas like Auli, Mussoorie, Nainital, Dhanaulti where hotels and lodges are fully booked witnessing a huge turnout of tourists. Moreover, the upcoming snowfall may lead to a surge in tourist numbers, causing potential overcrowding. On the other hand, residents of Uttarakhand are bracing themselves for the severe cold and fog. Many have been forced to remain indoors due to the cold winds and rain.
