Dehradun: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a heavy rain alert for Nainital and Bageshwar districts, warning of possible stormy conditions ahead of the monsoon’s official arrival in Uttarakhand.
The weather has taken a dramatic turn across the state, with light to moderate rain and thunderstorms likely in Dehradun, Tehri, Bageshwar, Pithoragarh, Almora, Nainital, and Champawat, and at a few places in other districts.
The IMD has cautioned residents and travelers
According to Dr. Bikram Singh, Director of the Meteorological Center in Dehradun, gusty winds reaching 40–50 km/h, thunder, and lightning are expected in several areas. The IMD has cautioned residents and travelers, especially in hilly and low-lying regions, to remain alert for potential disruptions due to intense rainfall and storm activity.
The weather shift is visible from the mountains to the plains
The weather shift is visible from the mountains to the plains. While the hill districts are experiencing cooler temperatures due to consistent rainfall, the plains, including Dehradun, are grappling with humid heat. On Thursday, Dehradun saw intermittent sunshine and cloud cover, followed by light to moderate showers in the evening, which brought temporary relief but also led to waterlogging in several areas.
The IMD expects the monsoon to arrive in Uttarakhand by June 20 or 21
The maximum temperature in Dehradun was recorded at 34.5°C, with a minimum of 24.6°C, both slightly above normal. Despite the rainfall, humidity levels remain high, making conditions uncomfortable in the plains. The IMD expects the monsoon to arrive in Uttarakhand by June 20 or 21, with rainfall intensity likely to increase over the weekend. The Kumaon region is expected to receive the first wave of monsoon showers, followed by the Garhwal region. The department has also forecast heavy to very heavy rainfall in isolated areas of Tehri and Dehradun, with continued rain spells likely through June 23.
In the past 24 hours, Nainital recorded 15.6 mm of rain, followed by 12.4 mm in Haridwar, and 7.5 mm in Pithoragarh, indicating the growing influence of the advancing monsoon.
People are requested to avoid unnecessary travel
Authorities have urged people to avoid unnecessary travel, especially in landslide-prone zones, and to stay updated on local advisories. The State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and district administrations are on alert, with emergency teams deployed in vulnerable areas. As Uttarakhand braces for the monsoon’s full arrival, the current weather pattern serves as a reminder of the state’s climatic volatility—where storms can precede the rains, and preparedness is key to safety.
