Dehradun: Severe cold has gripped Uttarakhand due to ongoing rain and snowfall which has started today’s morning. The Meteorological Centre Dehradun (IMD) forecasted rains and snowfall for 27-28 December and Uttarakhand is witnessing a poor weather across the state.
With this prediction, IMD issued a warning for heavy to heavier snowfall in higher hills of Dehradun and Uttarkashi districts on late Friday evening.
IMD anticipated snowfall in the hilly regions
The Meteorological Center Dehradun had precisely predicted a change in the weather for today and tomorrow. Their forecast included rain for Friday and Saturday, with anticipated snowfall in the hilly regions. Today, light to moderate rain has been observed across many places in all 13 districts of the state. Snowfall was expected at elevations of 2500 meters and above, and this prediction has also come true, with snowfall expected at 2000 meters and above on December 28. Furthermore, the IMD has issued a warning for heavy snowfall likely to occur at isolated places at elevations of 2500 meters and above in Dehradun and Uttarkashi within the next 24 hours.
Plunging mercury intensifying cold
Amidst the ongoing rains and snowfall, a severe cold wave is sweeping across Uttarakhand, causing a notable drop in both maximum and minimum temperatures. In Dehradun, the maximum temperature has fallen to 16°C, with the minimum at 12°C. Haridwar is experiencing a maximum temperature of 18°C and a minimum of 13°C. In Rudrapur, temperatures have dipped to a maximum of 21°C and a minimum of 14°C. Similarly, in Haldwani, the gateway to Kumaon, the maximum temperature is 21°C, while the minimum stands at 14°C.
Temperature in the Char Dham shrines
The Char Dham shrines in Uttarakhand have been blanketed with snow since the last snowfall on Monday and Tuesday. This has led to a significant drop in temperatures, making it unbearably cold in these sacred areas. Among the four shrines, Yamunotri is the coldest, with temperatures ranging from a maximum of -2°C to a minimum of -7°C. Gangotri Dham experiences a maximum temperature of 3°C and a minimum of -2°C. Both maximum and minimum temperatures in Badrinath are below freezing, at -1°C and -4°C, respectively. Kedarnath also faces frigid conditions, with a maximum temperature of 0°C and a minimum of -4°C. Along with this, ongoing snowfall may worsen the situation in coming days.
Tourism expected to thrive
The long-awaited rain and snowfall have finally brought relief to the people of Uttarakhand. The weather changed on Friday with clouds appearing in the sky since morning, light drizzle in the plains, and snowfall in the high mountains. This change has brightened the faces of locals and tourists alike. Businessmen are particularly happy with the weather change. This weather change is beneficial for farmers as well, who have been waiting for rain for a long time.
This change in weather is expected to attract more tourists to Uttarakhand, making it a perfect destination to celebrate the New Year amidst snow-covered landscapes. Tourists have already started arriving at various hill stations ahead of the New Year. With the snowfall, the number of tourists is expected to rise.
