Uttarakhand is preparing to endure another wave of winter turbulence with a rain and snowfall warning of the hill districts of Uttarkashi, Chamoli and Pithoragarh issued by the India Meteorological Department (IMD). The state is now experiencing a major drop in temperatures, and high-altitude areas have been recording extreme temperatures of cold temperatures. It is worth noting that Badrinath has fallen to a bone-chilling -14°C, and this is also one of the lowest temperatures during the season.
IMD reports that a western disturbance exists across the Himalayan zone, which is accompanied by moist winds that are likely to give light to moderate snow in the regions located above 3,000 metres. The three affected regions have been put under alert by the district authorities with guidelines to observe vulnerable routes, mainly those that could easily accumulate snow and landslides.
Uttarkashi- Gangotri and Harsil: Higher altitudes like Gangotri and Harsil might report fresh snowfall, and this will affect the movement and day-to-day activities of the locals. The area is likely to experience extreme cold, frost and road accidents due to its popular places such as Badrinath, Auli and Joshimath, which are called Chamoli. This might be the case in Pithoragarh, especially in Munsiyari and Dharchua, where snowy winds and temperatures below zero are likely to increase.
The hills are preparing to be hit by the snow, the plains and the foothills of Uttarakhand are grappling with heavy fogs that are affecting visibility in the early morning. Cities like Dehradun, Haridwar and Rishikesh have been experiencing heavy cover of fog and have also recorded a significant decrease in the daytime temperatures. Mog and cold winds have led to a weather advisory that recommends that people should drive carefully and avoid travelling at low-visibility hours as much as possible.
Badrinath reports that the temperature has been dropping drastically in the last few days. The local governments have advised the people and other key players in the area to be cautious of the extreme frost that has led to the freezing of water sources, and daily life is more difficult. As the snow is likely to increase, emergency teams have remained in reserve to act in case of a road blockage or some disruption in vital services.
The IMD predicts that the conditions will be similar in the coming 48 hours, where there may be some intermittent rain that will occur in some of the mid-hill regions. Citizens have been encouraged to be in touch with the government’s weather warnings, have plenty of warm-up clothes and avoid frivolous travel to elevated areas.
With the increase in winter in Uttarakhand, the governments are keeping an eye on readiness and caution, particularly in those areas where snow and freezing conditions are threatening the free movement, safety and accessibility to all.
