Uttarakhand weather update: Cold wave grips hills and plains, snowfall likely in Chamoli, Uttarkashi from Dec 4
Uttarakhand is facing a cold wave with severe chill at night and dry weather in November. The Meteorological Centre predicts light rain and snowfall in Chamoli, Pithoragarh, and Uttarkashi from December 4, while other districts will remain dry, adding to winter challenges.
Dehradun: Uttarakhand is reeling under a cold wave as temperatures continue to drop sharply at night. The chill has increased in both plains and mountains, with fog and frost troubling residents. Daytime sunshine is providing some relief, but evenings and nights remain bitterly cold.
According to the Meteorological Centre, there will be no major change in the weather for the next two days. However, due to the activation of a western disturbance, light rain and snowfall are expected in the higher altitude areas of Uttarkashi, Chamoli, and Pithoragarh from December 4. Other districts are likely to remain dry.
Minimum temp may drop in the next four to five days
Officials said the minimum temperature across the state may drop further by 2 to 3 degrees Celsius in the next four to five days. Light to moderate fog may also occur in isolated mountainous areas, adding to travel difficulties.
Uttarakhand faced rain deficit
November was unusually dry this year. Normally, Uttarakhand receives about 6.4 mm of rainfall in November, but this time the state recorded only 0.1 mm — a 98% deficit. Only Chamoli, Pithoragarh, Rudraprayag, and Uttarkashi saw light showers at the beginning of the month, while other districts remained completely dry.
Meteorologists explained that the reduced activity of western disturbances led to the lack of rainfall. This has affected the winter pattern, with maximum temperatures staying above normal due to bright sunshine, while minimum temperatures dropped below normal, making nights colder.
Udham Singh Nagar remained colder than hilly parts
On Saturday night, the minimum temperature in Dehradun was recorded at 8.2°C, the lowest since 2020. In Udham Singh Nagar, nights were even colder than in Mukteshwar, highlighting the sharp fall in mercury. Mukteshwar reported a maximum of 18.3°C and a minimum of 6.7°C, while New Tehri recorded 20.6°C as maximum and 5.8°C as minimum.
AQI indicates satisfactory air quality
The dry weather is also impacting air quality. According to a bulletin issued by the Central Pollution Control Board, Dehradun’s Air Quality Index (AQI) stood at 92, which is considered satisfactory but not very good. Meteorologists said that rainfall would help improve the AQI by reducing dust and pollution levels.
With snowfall expected in the higher reaches from December 4, residents and tourists are preparing for harsher winter conditions. The Meteorological Centre has advised caution, especially in hilly areas where frost, fog, and slippery roads may cause difficulties.