Dehradun: Uttarakhand remains under weather distress as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a yellow alert for heavy to very heavy rainfall in Pithoragarh and Bageshwar districts.
Thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds up to 40 km/h are also expected in several other districts, including Tehri, Haridwar, Almora, and Udham Singh Nagar.
Dehradun witnessed an incessant rainfall, particularly in the morning
The state has been witnessing intermittent showers since early morning, with Dehradun recording significant rainfall before 10 AM on Thursday. While the morning rain brought relief from the heat, the post-rain humidity left residents uncomfortable. The city’s maximum temperature was recorded at 29.0°C and the minimum at 23.2°C. Pantnagar saw a high of 33.4°C, while Mukteshwar and New Tehri remained cooler at 20.7°C and 19.4°C respectively.
The IMD has forecast continued rainfall across Uttarakhand for the next few days, with isolated intense spells likely in the hill districts. The changing weather pattern—sunshine alternating with cloud cover and rain—has disrupted daily life and travel.
61 roads are currently blocked due to landslides and debris
One of the most serious impacts has been on road connectivity. According to the State Emergency Operations Center, 61 roads across the state are currently blocked due to landslides and debris. These include the Hubertpur–Vikasnagar–Lakhwar National Highway 16 in Dehradun district, which remains closed for heavy vehicles. Eleven rural roads in Dehradun are also inaccessible.
Other affected districts include: Uttarkashi: 7 roads closed, Tehri: 5 roads closed, Rudraprayag: 7 roads closed,Pithoragarh: 9 roads closed, Pauri Garhwal: 7 roads closed, Nainital: 3 roads closed, Chamoli: 8 roads closed, Bageshwar: 2 roads closed, Almora: 1 road closed. Efforts are underway to clear debris and restore traffic, but officials warn that continued rainfall may delay operations. The Public Works Department and disaster response teams are working in coordination to reopen blocked routes, especially those critical for Char Dham pilgrims and local commuters.
Authorities have advised residents and tourists to avoid travel in landslide-prone areas
In Mussoorie, landslides have already disrupted traffic on the Dhanaulti road earlier this week, and similar risks persist in other mountainous regions. Authorities have advised residents and tourists to avoid travel in landslide-prone areas and to stay updated on weather and road conditions.