Uttarakhand is heading into another shift in its weather, and the effect will look very different across the hills and the plains. While the higher reaches are bracing for clouds, rain and scattered showers, the plains districts will continue to swelter under sunshine and rising heat. According to the weather department's forecast, five hill districts, Uttarkashi, Rudraprayag, Chamoli, Bageshwar and Pithoragarh, could see light to moderate rain or thundershowers at a few places on 17 June. The remaining hill areas may get only very light drizzle. In contrast, Haridwar, Udham Singh Nagar and other plains districts will have clear skies and stay completely dry.
The Last 24 Hours and What Lies Ahead
Over the past 24 hours, most parts of the state recorded maximum temperatures slightly above normal. During this period Khatima in Udham Singh Nagar logged the highest reading at 37.5 degrees Celsius. The chill, however, still lingers at altitude, with Kedarnath Dham in Rudraprayag recording the lowest minimum temperature of 4.6 degrees Celsius. Over the next two to three days, maximum temperatures could climb by 1 to 3 degrees Celsius, after which no major change is expected.
The Outlook From 18 to 21 June
The department has also laid out a day-by-day picture for the days ahead. On 18 June, Uttarkashi, Rudraprayag, Chamoli, Bageshwar and Pithoragarh may witness light to moderate rain or thundershowers at some places, while Haridwar, Udham Singh Nagar and the rest of the plains districts stay perfectly clear.
By 19 June, the spread of rain in the hills widens a little. Uttarkashi, Rudraprayag and Chamoli are likely to see rain at many places, while Dehradun, Tehri, Bageshwar and Pithoragarh could get light to moderate rain at a few spots. On 20 and 21 June too, Uttarkashi, Rudraprayag, Chamoli, Bageshwar and Pithoragarh will continue to see light to moderate rain along with thunder and lightning at some places, whereas the plains districts are expected to remain dry.
Yellow Alert for Hailstorms on 19 and 20 June
The weather department has urged people, and especially those travelling towards the hills, to stay cautious. For 19 June, a yellow alert has been issued for the five key hill districts of Uttarkashi, Rudraprayag, Chamoli, Bageshwar and Pithoragarh, warning of thunder and lightning, hail and strong gusty winds blowing at 40 to 50 kilometres per hour at isolated places. Strong winds are also possible across the other hill districts. Similarly, a warning of lightning and fierce squalls has been issued for the same five districts on 20 June, which is why travellers on mountain routes have been advised to take special care.
Clouds, Dust Storms and Rain in Dehradun
In the capital Dehradun, the weather is set to stay mixed from 17 June to 22 June. Through the entire week the city will see partly cloudy skies along with a strong chance of rain, thunder and lightning or dust storms. As for temperatures, the minimum is expected to hover between 22°C and 24°C during this stretch. The maximum will fluctuate, starting at 36°C and rising to as high as 38°C by 22 June. With storms and showers likely in the afternoon or evening, residents may also have to deal with sticky, humid heat.
