Uttarakhand’s hill districts are likely to experience another spell of unsettled weather, with rain, snowfall and thunderstorms expected in several areas. The forecast has prompted a yellow alert for the mountainous districts, where intense showers and lightning may create travel risks.
Light to moderate rain is possible at some locations in Uttarkashi, Rudraprayag, Chamoli, Dehradun, Nainital, Bageshwar and Pithoragarh. Other parts of the state may also receive isolated light to moderate showers.
Snow and falling temperatures in higher areas
Snowfall was reported on Thursday at Hemkund Sahib in Chamoli. Kedarnath and Rudranath also received light snow along with hail. The weather in these high-altitude locations has become colder after the precipitation.
Kedarnath recorded -2°C on the morning covered by the update. In Pithoragarh district, rain fell overnight in Munsiyari and Dharchula, while the Panchachuli and Rajrambha peaks received light snowfall.
Rain also briefly affected helicopter operations in the Kedarnath valley. Flights resumed after weather conditions improved.
Landslide blocks Nainital highway
A debris slide disrupted traffic on the Haldwani-Nainital road between Dogaon and Dolmar. Nainital SSP Dr. Manjunath TC reached the location to assess the situation and instructed the police control room to arrange immediate clearance.
Machinery was then deployed to remove the debris. The incident affected movement on the important route, but the clearing operation began after officials reached the site.
Dehradun also experienced intense rain from Thursday morning. Waterlogging-like conditions developed at several locations, adding to the disruption caused by the weather.
Forecast for the next 3 days
The outlook provided for the coming days is as follows:
- 19 September: Light to moderate rain may occur in some parts of all districts, with thundershowers also possible.
- 20 September: Rain is expected at some places in the hill districts. Weather is likely to remain dry in Haridwar and Udham Singh Nagar.
- 21 September: The hills may receive isolated very light to light rain and thundershowers. Haridwar and Udham Singh Nagar are expected to remain dry.
The yellow alert means residents and travellers in the hill districts should remain attentive to sudden changes in weather, particularly during thunderstorms and periods of heavy rain. The available update specifically warns of lightning and intense to very intense rainfall in some locations.
Conclusion
Rain, snow and lightning remain possible across Uttarakhand’s hill areas, while the Nainital highway has faced a temporary landslide disruption. The next forecast indicates continued rain in the hills through 21 September, with drier conditions expected in Haridwar and Udham Singh Nagar on 20 and 21 September.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Which Uttarakhand districts may receive rain?
Light to moderate rain is possible in Uttarkashi, Rudraprayag, Chamoli, Dehradun, Nainital, Bageshwar and Pithoragarh. Other districts may also see isolated showers.
Q. Where was snowfall reported?
Snowfall occurred at Hemkund Sahib, Kedarnath and Rudranath. The Panchachuli and Rajrambha peaks in Pithoragarh also received light snowfall.
Q. What temperature was recorded in Kedarnath?
Kedarnath recorded -2°C in the morning covered by the update.
Q. Why was the Kedarnath helicopter service affected?
Drizzle in the Kedarnath valley briefly disrupted helicopter flights. Operations resumed after the weather improved.
Q. What happened on the Haldwani-Nainital road?
A landslide brought debris onto the road between Dogaon and Dolmar. Clearance work began with a JCB after officials inspected the location.
Q. What weather is expected on 20 September?
Rain is possible in the hill districts, while Haridwar and Udham Singh Nagar are expected to have dry weather.
Q. What is forecast for 21 September?
Very light to light rain and thundershowers may occur in parts of the hill districts. Haridwar and Udham Singh Nagar are expected to remain dry.
