Dehradun, February 18: After a prolonged spell of unusually warm and dry weather, the weather in Uttarakhand has taken a dramatic turn. The long-awaited Western Disturbance has finally become active over the Western Himalayan region, bringing much-needed relief in the form of sudden heavy rain and snowfall to the higher reaches of the state.
According to the latest bulletin from the Meteorological Centre Dehradun, several districts are experiencing a drop in temperature as dark clouds hover over the mountain peaks. For tourists and locals who have been waiting for a winter wonderland, the wait is finally over—at least in the upper elevations .
Snowfall Predicted in These 5 Districts Today (February 18)
As the Western Disturbance impacts the region, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a clear alert for February 18 and 19. While the plains continue to experience above-normal temperatures, the high-altitude areas are bracing for a fresh blanket of snow .
Light to moderate rainfall, along with snowfall, is very likely in the following five districts today:
- Uttarkashi: The high-altitude areas, including Gangotri and Yamunotri, are expected to witness fresh snowfall .
- Chamoli: Popular tourist destinations like Auli and Badrinath may see a fresh cover of snow, delighting skiers and pilgrims .
- Rudraprayag: Areas surrounding Kedarnath are under the snowfall alert, with chances of heavy flurries above 3,000 meters .
- Bageshwar: The higher reaches of this Kumaon district are likely to experience rain turning into snow by evening .
- Pithoragarh: Known for its scenic Himalayan peaks, parts of this district are also on the list for today”s precipitation .
Height Alert
The Meteorological Center has indicated that snowfall is specifically likely in areas located above 3,000 feet (approximately 1,000 meters) or higher. Lower areas may experience light rainfall and gusty winds .
Weather in the Plains: Heat Continues
In contrast to the mountains, the plains of Uttarakhand, including Dehradun, Haridwar, and Udham Singh Nagar, are likely to remain dry but partly cloudy.
- Temperature Anomaly: Dehradun recently recorded a maximum temperature of 28.5°C, which is a significant 6 degrees above normal for this time of year. The daytime heat in the foothills persists despite the mountain chills .
- Wind Speed: Isolated places may experience gusty winds reaching speeds of 30 to 40 km/h during thunderstorms .
Travel Advisory for Tourists
With sudden snowfall, road connectivity in high-altitude areas can become challenging. The weather department has issued a caution for travelers heading to the mountains .
- Roadblocks: Routes leading to Kedarnath, Badrinath, and Gangotri may experience temporary closures or slippery conditions due to snow accumulation .
- Visibility: Gusty winds and snow flurries could lead to low visibility in the upper Himalayan regions.
- Health Advisory: The sudden change, with warm days in the plains and cold in the hills, is causing seasonal ailments like coughs and colds. Travelers are advised to carry heavy woolens and rain gear .
Forecast for February 19 and Beyond
The IMD has predicted that this spell of precipitation will continue into February 19, though it will be isolated. After this, the weather is likely to remain dry across the state from February 20 to February 22. However, night temperatures in the mountains may dip by a few degrees following the snowfall .
Conclusion: A Welcome Break for the Hills
The sudden change in weather, while causing a slight inconvenience for travel, is a welcome sign for agriculture, water resources, and the tourism industry in Uttarakhand. The fresh snow is expected to boost tourist footfall in destinations like Auli and Mukteshwar just in time for the weekend.
For Digiparvat readers, we recommend staying updated with live alerts if you are traveling to the mountains. The contrast between the warm plains and the snowy peaks makes this an exciting, albeit unpredictable, time to experience the beauty of Devbhoomi.
Stay tuned to Digiparvat for the latest updates on Uttarakhand weather, tourism, and breaking news.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Is it raining in Uttarakhand today?
A: Yes, light rain and thundershowers are occurring in parts of Uttarakhand today, specifically in the higher reaches of districts like Uttarkashi, Chamoli, and Pithoragarh .
Q2: Which districts in Uttarakhand will get snowfall on February 18?
A: According to the IMD, snowfall is very likely in Uttarkashi, Chamoli, Rudraprayag, Bageshwar, and Pithoragarh districts, particularly in areas above 3,000 feet .
Q3: Why is it raining in Uttarakhand in February?
A: This rainfall and snowfall is due to an active Western Disturbance. This weather system brings moisture from the Mediterranean region towards the Indian subcontinent, causing precipitation in the Western Himalayas .
Q4: Will it snow in Auli today?
A: Yes, since Auli is located in the Chamoli district, it falls under the snowfall alert zone. Higher altitudes of Chamoli, including Auli, are likely to receive fresh snow today .
Q5: Is the weather improving in the plains of Uttarakhand?
A: Not yet. While the hills are cooling down, the plains like Dehradun are still experiencing warm weather with temperatures hovering around 28°C, which is above normal .
Q6: When will the weather clear up in Uttarakhand?
A: The current wet spell is expected to last until February 19. After that, the weather is likely to become dry across the state from February 20 onwards .
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