Uttarakhand Welcomes Season's First Snowfall After Extended Dry Period
Uttarakhand's higher Himalayan regions finally witnessed the season's inaugural snowfall on Friday, while the plains and foothills experienced their first spell of winter rain. This meteorological shift brought much-needed relief following a record dry spell that persisted throughout December and most of January.
Widespread Snowfall Across Char Dham Districts
Light to moderate snowfall was reported from numerous high-altitude areas within the Char Dham districts. In Uttarkashi district, locations such as Harsil, Gangotri, and Yamunotri recorded snowfall during the morning hours. Similarly, Kedarnath and surrounding peaks in Rudraprayag district were blanketed in white. Additional areas under snow cover included Gangnani, Sankri, and Jakhol in Uttarkashi district.
Officials attributed the precipitation to a western disturbance that became active overnight, marking a significant change in the weather pattern.
Mussoorie and Auli Experience Seasonal Snow Delight
Mussoorie, the state's most popular hill station, received its first snowfall of the season on Friday, much to the delight of tourists and locals alike. The snowfall commenced around 9 am, following a bright Thursday, and continued throughout the day. Approximately 3 inches of snow accumulated along Mall Road, while higher areas like Lal Tibba and Char Dukan reported nearly 5 inches.
Sanjay Aggarwal, president of the Mussoorie Hotel Association, remarked, "The snowfall was much-needed for our ecology and arrived at an opportune time during a long weekend."
The popular ski destination of Auli in Chamoli district, along with surrounding higher reaches, also witnessed fresh snowfall, enhancing conditions for winter sports enthusiasts.
Precipitation Spreads to Pithoragarh and Bageshwar Districts
In Pithoragarh district, the first rain and snowfall of the winter season were recorded. Snowfall occurred on higher Himalayan peaks, including Panchachuli, Rajrambha, and Hansling in the Munsiyari region, as well as along the Kailash-Mansarovar route covering Kuti, Gunji, and Nabi villages in Dharchula. By afternoon, rainfall had spread across the district.
Bageshwar district experienced its season's first snowfall in high Himalayan villages of the Pindar valley, such as Borbalda, Khati, Jhuni, and Khaljhuni, following rain and a sharp temperature drop. Similar weather conditions were reported from Kausani and nearby areas, attracting tourists and providing relief to farmers, who noted the moisture would benefit rabi crops and improve soil conditions.
Weather Changes in Nainital and Surrounding Regions
Nainital's weather underwent a transformation as well. The city saw the season's first rainfall accompanied by strong winds, while higher-altitude areas like Himalayan Darshan, Naina Peak, and Snow View witnessed light snowfall. Rainfall was also recorded in Haldwani and Lalkuan.
Impact on Infrastructure and Meteorological Forecast
Friday's spell led to road blockages on the Gangotri and Yamunotri national highways, with clearing operations currently underway, according to officials. Power supply was disrupted in some areas due to the weather conditions.
Plains and foothills, including Dehradun, received light rainfall throughout the day, resulting in a noticeable dip in daytime temperatures.
CS Tomar, Director of the Regional Meteorological Centre, stated, "Light to moderate rain was recorded in most areas, while snowfall occurred mainly in regions situated above approximately 2,300 metres. The current spell is likely to weaken and move out by January 24, after which precipitation may be confined mainly to northern districts."
Tomar added that another western disturbance is expected from January 26, which could bring fresh rain and snow on January 27 and 28, with snowfall largely restricted to areas above 2,500 metres. An orange alert has been issued for districts including Uttarkashi, Dehradun, Rudraprayag, Chamoli, Bageshwar, and Pithoragarh, as per officials.
