The monsoon in Uttarakhand had appeared to lose some momentum over the past few days, but the threat of heavy rainfall is back on the state's radar. The Meteorological Centre in Dehradun, part of the India Meteorological Department, issued a serious warning on 14 July 2026 for heavy rain and lightning across several parts of the state. According to the department, four key districts, Dehradun, Nainital, Champawat and Pithoragarh, are likely to see heavy rain at isolated places today. Beyond these four, nearly all the hill districts of the state could witness thunder, lightning and spells of intense to very intense rainfall. The plains have not been spared either, with Haridwar and Udham Singh Nagar also expected to see lightning strikes accompanied by sharp showers.
Looking at the last 24 hours, different parts of Uttarakhand recorded rainfall ranging from very light to heavy. While monsoon activity was assessed to have weakened slightly during this period, sudden gusts of strong wind in the hill areas changed the weather's character altogether. Data from the Meteorological Centre shows wind speeds of 44 kilometres per hour in Mukteshwar, 37 kilometres per hour in Ranichauri, and 31 kilometres per hour at Jyolikot in Nainital district. On the temperature front, maximum temperatures in the plains remained slightly above normal, while a drop in minimum temperatures in the hill regions has made nights feel cooler. Over the past 24 hours, the state's highest temperature was recorded at Pantnagar in Udham Singh Nagar at 34.7 degrees Celsius, while the lowest minimum temperature was recorded at Mukteshwar in Nainital at 14.6 degrees Celsius.
Clouds gather over Dehradun, heavy rain alert issued
The state capital Dehradun and its surrounding areas are set for a shifting weather pattern today, 14 July. The weather department has issued a heavy rainfall alert for Dehradun district. Clouds are expected to keep moving across the city's sky from the morning itself, with strong thundershowers likely in the afternoon or evening. Some areas could see an intense spell of rain, which may lead to waterlogging on roads and traffic jams. A slight dip in temperature is expected to offer some relief from humidity.
Strong winds and rain forecast for Nainital and Jyolikot
The lake town of Nainital and its surrounding tourist spots are expected to see pleasant yet sensitive weather today. The weather department has issued a heavy rainfall warning for Nainital district. After winds blew at 31 kilometres per hour in Jyolikot over the last 24 hours, strong winds and lightning are expected again today. Tourists visiting Nainital have been advised to be cautious on hill roads, as heavy rainfall increases the risk of landslides.
Weather department alert for Pithoragarh and Champawat
The border district of Pithoragarh and Champawat in the Kumaon region could see a strong monsoon impact today. According to the IMD, there is a strong likelihood of heavy rain at isolated places in both these districts. People living on hill slopes have been specifically asked to stay alert. Pithoragarh could see intense spells of rain accompanied by thunder and lightning today, which may cause a sudden rise in the water level of local rivers and streams.
Lightning risk looms over Haridwar and Udham Singh Nagar
Weather could turn somewhat unsettled today in the key plains districts of Haridwar and Udham Singh Nagar, which includes Pantnagar. While the temperature at Pantnagar had touched 34.7 degrees Celsius the previous day, light to moderate rain today could bring it down slightly. The weather department has warned that Haridwar and Udham Singh Nagar districts are likely to see lightning strikes and strong winds at isolated places today.
Light to moderate rain expected in Uttarkashi, Chamoli and Rudraprayag
Districts along the Chardham Yatra route, namely Uttarkashi, Chamoli and Rudraprayag, are likely to see light to moderate rain or thundershowers at many places today. While no red or orange alert for heavy rainfall has been issued for these districts today, the possibility of sudden thunder, lightning and heavy downpours cannot be ruled out given the mountainous terrain. Pilgrims have been advised to check accurate weather updates before proceeding further.
What the forecast holds from 15 to 17 July
The weather department has released a forecast not just for today but for the coming week as well, making it clear that Uttarakhand is unlikely to get relief from rain anytime soon. Tomorrow, 15 July, heavy rain is expected at isolated places in Champawat, Bageshwar and Pithoragarh districts. Meanwhile, Almora, Nainital, Dehradun, Uttarkashi, Rudraprayag, Chamoli, Tehri and Pauri are likely to see light to moderate rain at some places. Haridwar could also witness very light showers at isolated spots. On 16 July, the monsoon is expected to pick up pace once again, with heavy rain likely in Dehradun, Nainital, Pithoragarh and Bageshwar districts, while lightning is expected to continue across the hill districts. By 17 July, the spread of rainfall is set to widen further, with a heavy rainfall warning issued for six districts in total, namely Uttarkashi, Rudraprayag, Chamoli, Dehradun, Pithoragarh and Bageshwar.
