Residents of Uttarakhand are facing a period of high alert on July 09 and July 10. According to the latest data from the India Meteorological Department (IMD), a robust low-pressure system situated over Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh, combined with cyclonic circulation, is driving intense monsoon activity across the state. The convergence of this weather system with a western disturbance has unleashed torrential rains across most parts of the Devbhoomi. Given the severity of the situation, the weather department has issued 'Orange' and 'Yellow' alerts for several sensitive districts. Residents should expect extremely heavy rainfall and lightning strikes over the next few hours, prompting the administration to remain on high alert. The ongoing heavy rain in hilly regions has significantly increased the risk of landslides, which are already impacting daily life and critical routes, including the Char Dham Yatra. According to the Meteorological Center, districts in the Kumaon division and many areas of the Garhwal division will experience light to moderate rainfall accompanied by intense thunderstorms. This aggressive weather trend is expected to persist in various parts of the state until July 14.
Districts under Orange and Yellow alerts
The weather department has issued an Orange alert for 7 major districts today, warning of heavy to very heavy rainfall. These districts include Dehradun, Tehri, Pauri, Haridwar, Nainital, Udham Singh Nagar, and Champawat. These regions are likely to face sudden, intense downpours within a span of a few hours, potentially leading to waterlogging in low-lying areas. Meanwhile, a Yellow alert has been issued for mountainous districts such as Uttarkashi, Rudraprayag, Chamoli, Almora, Bageshwar, and Pithoragarh. While the risk level in these areas is relatively lower than the Orange-alert zones, the potential for heavy rain, lightning, and falling debris from slopes remains high.
Conditions in the capital and key areas
The weather has taken a sharp turn in the capital, Dehradun, and surrounding areas like Mussoorie and Jolly Grant. A special Orange alert for extremely heavy rain has been issued for Dehradun and the adjacent hilly regions for the next 3 hours. Notably, the state recorded a maximum temperature of 33.1°C in Mohkampur, Dehradun, yesterday, but temperatures are expected to drop significantly following today's rainfall. Wind speeds of 35 km/h have been reported in Jolly Grant. In Rudraprayag district, torrential rain has persisted since late last night, causing the holy Alaknanda and Mandakini rivers to flow near the danger mark. The local administration has advised all residents living near the rivers to move to safer locations immediately or remain vigilant. A major concern is the activation of several sliding zones on the Kedarnath Highway, which has slowed down travel and resulted in the closure of over half a dozen rural link roads.
Impact of landslides on transport and life
In the border district of Chamoli, dark clouds have loomed since morning, with intermittent heavy rain. Debris from landslides has obstructed several sections of the Badrinath Highway. The administration has appealed to travelers to venture out only if absolutely necessary and to wait for the weather to clear. Pithoragarh is currently facing the worst of the weather conditions in the Kumaon division. Heavy rain and continuous landslides have resulted in the complete closure of approximately 18 main and rural roads, severing the connection between several villages and the district headquarters. Bageshwar is also witnessing overflowing rivers and streams. In Mukteshwar, Nainital, the minimum temperature has plummeted to 16.0°C, with wind speeds reaching 44 km/h.
Weather forecast for the coming days
The wet spell is far from over. On July 10, heavy to very heavy rain is expected to continue in Pauri, Nainital, Udham Singh Nagar, Champawat, and Bageshwar, while Dehradun, Tehri, and Haridwar are also likely to see heavy rainfall. On July 11, light to moderate rain will continue in parts of Garhwal and most of Kumaon, with a Yellow alert for heavy rain in Dehradun, Nainital, Champawat, Pithoragarh, and Bageshwar. From July 12 to 14, the state will continue to experience light to moderate rain and thundershowers in numerous locations.
