Uttarakhand weather update: Snowfall halts Gangotri-Gomukh trek; light rain likely in Chamoli, Uttarkashi, cold grips hills

by

Dehradun: After the monsoon officially ended in Uttarakhand, the weather has taken a surprising turn. Several districts are now seeing light rain, snowfall, and dropping temperatures.

According to the Meteorological Department, isolated places in Uttarkashi, Rudraprayag Chamoli, Bageshwar and Pithoragarh districts are likely to receive light to very light rain or thundershowers at isolated places today. Meanwhile, most other districts in the state are expected to remain dry.

Gomukh-Tapovan route has been temporarily stopped for two days due to snowfall

This unexpected spell of weather is due to the activation of a western disturbance, which has caused not only rainfall but also heavy snowfall in higher Himalayan regions. One of the most affected areas is the Gangotri National Park, where trekking on the Gomukh-Tapovan route has been temporarily stopped for two days due to snowfall.

The snowfall began late Monday night in the Gomukh-Tapovan area, covering the trail with more than half a foot of snow. In response, the Gangotri National Park authorities banned trekking on this popular route for Tuesday and Wednesday. The cold and slippery conditions made it unsafe for trekkers to continue.

Decision on reopening the trek will be taken on Thursday

Forest Inspector Rajveer Rawat, in charge of the Kankhu Barrier, confirmed that 139 trekkers who had already entered the route returned safely to Gangotri by Wednesday morning. Those who planned to start trekking on Tuesday or Wednesday were stopped at the base. A decision on reopening the trek will be taken on Thursday, depending on further weather developments.

Noticeable drop in temperature across the state

This early snow has also brought a noticeable drop in temperature across the state. From the mountains to the plains, people have started wearing warm clothes in the mornings and evenings. The first week of October brought 172% more rainfall than usual, which led to snowfall in regions like Adi Kailash, Om Parvat, and Kuti village in Pithoragarh, and high-altitude parts of Chamoli and Uttarkashi.

Due to western disturbances extra rainfall and snowfall occurred after the monsoon’s exit

Dr. Chandra Singh Tomar, Director of the Meteorological Centre, said the monsoon exited Uttarakhand earlier than usual this year. However, due to western disturbances and favorable weather conditions, extra rainfall and snowfall occurred after the monsoon’s exit. In fact, Uttarakhand received 172% more rainfall than usual in the first week of October—33.9 mm, which is two and a half times the normal amount.

Tourists and locals are advised to stay updated on weather alerts

This has also impacted local farming, as the untimely rain damaged rice and pulse crops that were ready for harvest. Farmers in various regions, including Chamoli and Uttarkashi, are worried about the sudden weather shift.

The sudden weather changes and snowfall in high-altitude areas show that winter has begun early in Uttarakhand. Tourists and locals are advised to stay updated on weather alerts, especially if planning visits or treks to mountain regions.