Dehradun: Uttarakhand is facing extreme weather this September, with Dehradun recording 305% more rainfall than normal in just one week.
The rainfall that occurred last Monday night in Dehradun’s Sahastradhara area broke a 101-year-old record, leaving roads flooded, houses damaged, and daily life disrupted.
September sees the heaviest rain
This month has become unusually difficult for the state, especially for Dehradun. Normally, September sees the end of the monsoon season, but this year, the rains are far from over. In fact, they are getting stronger. The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a yellow alert for the next few days, warning of heavy to very heavy rain in several parts of the state.
Between September 10 and 17, Dehradun received an average of 215 mm of rainfall, while the normal for this period is just 53 mm. This means the city received 305% more rain than usual. So far in September, Dehradun has received a total of 396 mm of rainfall, compared to the normal 159 mm—an increase of 149%.
Uttarakhand’s average rainfall in September so far has been 223 mm
The situation is not limited to Dehradun. Across Uttarakhand, the average rainfall in September so far has been 223 mm, compared to the normal 133 mm, which is 67% more than usual. This kind of rainfall is more commonly expected in August, which is usually the peak of the monsoon season. However, this year the monsoon pattern has shifted, bringing heavy rainfall much later than expected.
Active monsoon, combined with the influence of western disturbances is the reason behind heavy rain
According to the IMD, this change in weather is due to the active monsoon combined with the influence of western disturbances, which are causing clouds and rain from the mountains to the plains. On Wednesday, after Dehradun, Haridwar also experienced heavy rainfall. Intermittent showers are continuing in several other districts including Pauri, Tehri, Nainital, Chamoli, and Rudraprayag.
Concern over these unusual weather patterns
Experts have expressed concern over these unusual weather patterns. Sudden and intense rainfall, especially in a region like Uttarakhand which has fragile mountains and many rivers, increases the risk of natural disasters like flash floods and landslides. Urban areas like Dehradun, where illegal construction and poor drainage systems are already a concern, are particularly vulnerable.
September could be the wettest month this year
With half the month still remaining, it is likely that September 2025 could become the wettest September on record for the state. People are being advised to follow weather updates, stay indoors during heavy rain, and cooperate with local administration during emergencies. As the rains continue to lash the state, the government and disaster response teams remain on high alert to deal with any emergencies.
