Snowfall Hits Uttarakhand, Avalanche Alerts Raised
Mussoorie: Light to moderate snowfall and rain continue across Uttarakhand’s higher reaches as unstable weather persists. The Meteorological Centre in Dehradun issued avalanche alerts for Uttarkashi, Chamoli, Rudraprayag, Bageshwar, and Pithoragarh. Snow and rain affected areas above 2,800 meters over the past 24 hours. Authorities warned residents and tourists to avoid steep slopes and stay alert in avalanche-prone zones.
IMD Warns of Thunderstorms and Gusty Winds
The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) expects mixed weather to continue on Monday. Light to moderate snow and rain may occur in high-altitude areas, while Dehradun and Nainital could see isolated showers. The IMD issued yellow alerts for thunderstorms with lightning and gusty winds (30–40 kmph) in Uttarkashi, Chamoli, Rudraprayag, Bageshwar, Pithoragarh, and parts of the plains including Dehradun, Pauri, Haridwar, Nainital, and Udham Singh Nagar. People were advised to stay indoors during storms and avoid risky locations.
State Issues Safety Bulletins and Precautions
The State Emergency Control Centre in Dehradun warned about the dual threats of avalanches and turbulent weather. The Defence Geoinformatics Research Establishment (DGRE) declared Danger Level 2 (Yellow Alert) for Chamoli and Danger Level 1 (Green Alert) for Rudraprayag and Pithoragarh. Officials instructed locals to clear snow from rooftops, avoid stopping near trees or rocks, and remain cautious in snow-bound areas. Authorities temporarily halted travel in Yamunotri Dham, Kharsali, and Gangotri as a precaution.
Fresh Snowfall Brings Relief to Farmers
Strong winds of up to 50 kmph hit Jeolikote (Nainital), while Kashipur recorded the highest rainfall at 10 mm in 24 hours. Dehradun experienced thunderstorms with a maximum of 25.1°C, and Mukteshwar recorded the coldest minimum at 3.8°C. Farmers welcomed the fresh rain and snow, saying it benefits crops stressed by last year’s dry spells. Balak Ram, a farmer in Uttarkashi, said the precipitation has “given new life” to wheat, lentil, and apple crops, improving harvest prospects.
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