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Dehradun: The impact of western disturbance has once again changed the weather in Uttarakhand. The Meteorological Department has forecast light rain in Uttarkashi, Chamoli, and Pithoragarh districts today, along with snowfall in areas above 3,400 meters. Other districts are expected to remain dry.
The IMD has issued a yellow alert for dense fog in Haridwar, Udham Singh Nagar, Nainital, Champawat, Pauri, and Dehradun districts. Officials said visibility could drop sharply, affecting traffic and daily life. While the plains remain dry, bright sunshine during the day is reducing the chill.
Dry weather challenges
The prolonged dry spell has created difficulties across the state. Forests are blazing even before the traditional fire season, while farmers are worried about crop damage due to lack of rain. People are eagerly awaiting precipitation, but nature has not been kind. The IMD has forecast rain and snowfall in high-altitude areas until January 21, raising hopes of relief.
Rain alert today
According to the Meteorological Department, light to very light rain is expected at isolated places in Pithoragarh, Uttarkashi, and Chamoli today. Snowfall is also possible in higher elevations. Dense fog is likely in Haridwar, Udham Singh Nagar, and plains of Nainital, Champawat, Pauri, and Dehradun.
Forest fires in Kedarnath
Meanwhile, the dry weather has triggered forest fires in the Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary. Forest resources worth millions are being destroyed, and wildlife is at risk. Gaur Singh Karani, section supervisor of the Rail Beat of Kedarnath Wildlife Division, said the fire broke out in hilly forests near Barasu.
Firefighting efforts
A five-member team has been deployed to control the blaze. Forest personnel have managed to bring fires under control in most areas, but extinguishing flames in rocky terrain remains difficult.
In Chamoli district, most of the fires in the Valley of Flowers and Govind Ghat ranges of Nanda Devi National Park have been controlled. Only a few areas are still burning, and efforts are underway to douse them completely.
While rain and snowfall are expected to bring relief in the mountains, dense fog alerts in the plains and ongoing fires highlight the fragile balance of the Himalayan ecosystem.
