Dehradun, April 7: Weather conditions across Uttarakhand have taken a noticeable turn, with the Meteorological Centre issuing a warning for rain and thunderstorms in several parts of the state. According to the latest forecast, mountainous districts are likely to continue experiencing unstable weather on Tuesday, bringing rainfall, gusty winds, and lightning.
An orange alert has been issued for parts of Dehradun, Tehri, Haridwar, and Uttarkashi districts. These areas may witness moderate to heavy rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms and wind speeds reaching up to 50 kilometers per hour. The alert also warns of lightning strikes, urging residents to remain cautious, especially in open areas and during travel. Meanwhile, other districts in the state have been placed under a yellow alert, indicating the possibility of light rain and mild storm activity.
The weather department has further predicted that such fluctuating weather conditions are likely to persist across Uttarakhand until April 12. Over the past few days, higher-altitude regions have already been experiencing light rainfall and snowfall, resulting in a continuous chill in mountainous areas. The drop in temperature has been more prominent in these regions, where cold conditions have intensified due to recent precipitation.
Even the plains have not remained unaffected. On Monday evening, strong winds swept across several areas, causing a noticeable drop in temperature. As a result, people experienced a slight chill during the evening hours, which is unusual for this time of the year. However, during the daytime, cloudy skies kept the weather pleasant and comfortable, offering relief from the usual heat.
Looking at the temperature data, Dehradun recorded a maximum temperature of 29.8 degrees Celsius, which is about one degree below normal. This marks a shift from previous days when temperatures were recorded two to three degrees above the seasonal average. The minimum temperature in the city stood at 16.3 degrees Celsius, remaining within the normal range.
In contrast, hilly areas have witnessed a sharper decline in temperatures. New Tehri recorded a maximum temperature of just 17.5 degrees Celsius, which is seven degrees below normal. The minimum temperature in the region dropped to 6.0 degrees Celsius, nearly six degrees below the average, highlighting the significant cooling effect caused by rain and snowfall.
Overall, the changing weather pattern has brought a mix of relief and caution for residents. While the cooler temperatures have provided respite from rising heat, the risk of thunderstorms, lightning, and strong winds continues to pose challenges. Authorities have advised people to stay updated with weather alerts and take necessary precautions, especially in vulnerable and high-altitude areas.