Dehradun: Uttarakhand witnessed widespread rain and thunderstorms on Wednesday, bringing pleasant weather but also severe damage in several regions.
While residents enjoyed a temporary relief from heat, heavy hailstorms and downpours impacted agriculture and disrupted daily life. The IMD issued multiple warnings, urging local authorities and Char Dham pilgrims to remain cautious.
Garhwal region: Rasia Mahadev in Pauri suffers due to heavy rainfall
The Garhwal and Kumaon regions have been experiencing frequent rainfall over the past two days, drastically changing the weather pattern. The Rasia Mahadev area in Bironkhal, Pauri district, was severely affected by heavy rain, causing waterlogging and damage to infrastructure. Similarly, Badkot in Uttarkashi saw an intense spell of rainfall, creating challenging conditions for travelers and locals. Simultaneously, Dehradun and Mussoorie regions witnessed rains and pleasant weather.
पौड़ी गढ़वाल के बीरोंखाल के रसिया महादेव में भारी बारिश से हाहाकार मच गया। खटलगढ़ में नदी का पानी अचानक उफान पर आने से किनारे बस्तियों में खौफ छा गया। प्रशासन ने लोगों को सुरक्षित ठिकानों पर जाने की चेतावनी दी। अभी तक जान-माल के नुकसान की खबर नहीं। pic.twitter.com/yEs9CxzWVA
— bhUpi Panwar (@askbhupi) May 21, 2025
उत्तरकाशी के बड़कोट में बारिश ने फिर मचाया कहर!
सड़कों पर दिखा पानी का सैलाब, यातायात ठप, फिलहाल अभी तक जान-माल के नुकसान की कोई खबर नहीं। pic.twitter.com/gkSsvp3fnU— bhUpi Panwar (@askbhupi) May 21, 2025
Kumaon region: Hailstorm causes agricultural damage
Since Wednesday morning, rainfall has continued in Nainital, Haldwani, Udham Singh Nagar, Pithoragarh, Almora, and Bageshwar. While temperatures dropped in hill districts, farmers expressed concerns over damaging hail storms affecting crops. In Bhimtal, hailstones weighing 50-100 grams battered capsicum, tomato, bean, and potato fields, causing heavy losses for farmers. Bhawali and Ghorakhal tea gardens were severely impacted, with tea garden manager Naveen Chandra Pandey estimating a 30-35% loss in tea leaves due to hail. Likewise, in Champawat’s Tanakpur, 25 mm of rain helped reduce heat, while smaller showers continued across Champawat headquarters.
Khatima struggles with waterlogging, hailstorm impact in rural areas
Khatima saw consistent rainfall since morning, leading to clogged drains and muddy streets in market areas. Padampuri, Dhari, and Bhawali also suffered from hailstorms, adding to agricultural concerns.
IMD Issues three times warnings to SDMA
With continued rain and thunderstorm forecasts, the regional IMD sent three alerts to the State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA), advising caution. In the afternoon, IMD warned of thunderstorms with possible hail and surface winds (50-60 kmph) across Dehradun, Tehri, Pauri, Almora, Bageshwar, Champawat, Nainital, and Pithoragarh. Authorities were urged to follow advisory guidelines, especially for pilgrims undertaking the Char Dham Yatra, where weather changes could impact travel routes.
Weather forecast & advisory for coming days
According to Dr. Bikram Singh, Director of the Meteorological Center in Dehradun, weather shifts will continue in Uttarkashi, Rudraprayag, Chamoli, Pithoragarh, and Almora. Moderate thunderstorms with lightning and surface winds up to 30-40 kmph are expected in Dehradun and surrounding areas.
While light drizzle may keep the hill districts pleasant, the IMD advises local residents to remain cautious. With unpredictable conditions persisting, residents and travelers must prepare for intermittent rainfall and storms until May 24. Authorities continue monitoring the weather, ensuring safety for farmers and pilgrims.
