Dehradun: Uttarakhand is witnessing a major shift in weather, with heavy rainfall cooling the mountains while humidity continues to trouble residents in the plains.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an orange alert for heavy rain in the Char Dham area, warning of thunderstorms and gusty winds in several districts like Dehradun and Nainital.
Heavy rainfall in hills, humidity persists in plains
The mountainous regions of Uttarakhand, including Chamoli, Rudraprayag, and Bageshwar, have been experiencing heavy rainfall, leading to a drop in temperature. However, in the plains, including Haridwar and Udham Singh Nagar, the humidity remains intense, making daily life uncomfortable.
In Dehradun, the weather fluctuated throughout Thursday, with partial cloud cover and intermittent sunshine. Light to moderate rain was recorded in Rajpur Road, Sahasradhara Road, Raipur, Malsi, and Lacchiwala, offering temporary relief from the humidity. However, areas like Ghantaghar, ISBT, and Clementown continued to experience high humidity levels, leaving residents struggling with the heat.
IMD issues orange and yellow alerts
The IMD has issued an orange alert for heavy rain with thunder and lightning in Rudraprayag, Bageshwar, and Chamoli, warning of potential disruptions in these areas. Additionally, a yellow alert has been issued for lightning, thundershowers, and gusty winds in other districts, including Haridwar and Udham Singh Nagar.
Road blockages and travel disruptions
Due to heavy rainfall, the road connecting Kaunj Pothni village in Chamoli district has been blocked, affecting local travel. Fog has settled in the river valleys, while Badrinath Dham and Hemkund Sahib continue to experience bad weather conditions, impacting pilgrims and tourists.
Relief expected on Friday
The IMD predicts light to moderate rain in Dehradun on Friday, which may bring relief from the humidity. The Char Dham and Yatra routes are also expected to experience partial cloud cover and showers, making travel conditions challenging but manageable.
Monsoon expected to fully arrive after June 20
With monsoon activity gradually increasing, Uttarakhand is expected to see more consistent rainfall in the coming days. The IMD forecasts scattered showers across the state until June 16, with monsoon expected to fully arrive after June 20. Residents are advised to stay cautious, especially in landslide-prone areas, and follow weather updates for further alerts.