Dehradun: Dry weather continues to dominate Uttarakhand, pushing temperatures well above normal across both plains and mountains.
The Meteorological Department has reported that temperatures are currently 3 to 9 degrees Celsius higher than usual, with sunshine intensifying the heat in the plains.
Sun and Clouds in the Hills
In the mountainous regions, the weather is playing hide and seek between sun and clouds. Despite occasional cloud cover, rainfall has not occurred in recent days. On Monday, Dehradun and nearby areas saw bright sunshine from morning, with partial clouds appearing later in the day. However, no rain was recorded until late night.
Rising Temperatures
The absence of rain has led to significant temperature increases across the state:
– Dehradun: Maximum 31.0°C, Minimum 16.9°C
– Udham Singh Nagar: Maximum 31.0°C, Minimum 17.8°C
– Mukteshwar: Maximum 25.6°C, Minimum 10.5°C
– New Tehri: Maximum 22.6°C, Minimum 10.4°C
Meteorologists attribute this rise to prolonged dry weather and lack of precipitation.
Rain Forecast in Hilly Districts
According to the Meteorological Department, light rain and thundershowers are expected at isolated places in Uttarkashi, Chamoli, Rudraprayag, Bageshwar, and Pithoragarh districts. Higher altitude areas may also witness light snowfall. Dehradun is likely to remain partly cloudy.
Forest Fire in Chamoli
Meanwhile, Chamoli district is battling a forest fire that has continued for three days on Ram Parvat in the Pipalkoti area. The fire has destroyed forest resources worth lakhs of rupees and burned a large portion of the hill. By Sunday evening, flames had reached close to the CISF office and the HTC company’s weapons depot.
The Gopeshwar fire brigade managed to stop the fire from spreading further, but officials say the blaze is still active and slowly advancing into protected forest areas. The incident highlights the growing risk of forest fires during prolonged dry spells in Uttarakhand.
State is expected to face continued heat in the plains
With temperatures rising and dry conditions persisting, the state is expected to face continued heat in the plains. However, light rain and snowfall in the hills may bring some relief. Authorities remain on alert for forest fires and other weather-related challenges.