Dehradun: Winter has tightened its grip on Uttarakhand, bringing dense fog in the plains and frost in the hills. The Meteorological Center has issued a yellow alert for dense fog in six districts—Dehradun, Udham Singh Nagar, Haridwar, Nainital, Champawat, and Pauri.
The absence of rain and snowfall has created a spell of dry cold across Uttarakhand. While sunshine during the day offers some relief in the mountains, mornings and nights remain bitterly cold. According to forecasts, the weather is expected to stay dry until January 14, leaving little hope for immediate relief.
Temperatures have dropped to minus three degrees Celsius in Chakrata
In Chakrata, temperatures have dropped to minus three degrees Celsius at night. Water pipelines are freezing, disrupting supply, and frost is damaging apple orchards. Trees and plants appear scorched, and mornings in villages look as if snow has fallen, though it is only frost.
Local elders recall that earlier winters were harsh but accompanied by regular snowfall, which kept the soil moist and protected crops. This year, however, five months of dry weather have turned the cold into a damaging dry spell, considered most harmful for health and agriculture.
Impact on horticulture
Farmers and orchardists say apple trees are suffering due to frost. They explain that snowfall acts as a lifeline for orchards, helping trees develop chilling points necessary for a good harvest. Without snow, both current and future crops are at risk.
Apple farming has long been a pillar of Chakrata’s economy, but this winter’s frost has dealt a severe blow. Elders warn that the lack of snowfall could jeopardize horticulture for years to come.
Disruption in daily life
The extreme cold is forcing people indoors. Markets are less lively, and villagers are delaying their routines until late morning. Rivers, streams, and even drinking water lines in high-altitude villages are freezing, making daily life more difficult.
Residents say this winter feels harsher than previous years, not because of heavy snow, but because of the absence of snowfall. The frost is damaging crops, slowing life, and creating new challenges for traditional mountain living.
Climate change warning
Experts and locals alike believe the unusual dry cold is linked to climate change. Chakrata’s experience serves as a warning for future generations, showing how changing weather patterns can disrupt agriculture, culture, and daily life in the Himalayas.