The Meteorological Department has issued an orange alert for all districts in Uttarakhand today, warning of rain, thunderstorms, and the possibility of hail in several regions. The alert also includes strong winds expected to blow at speeds between 30 to 60 kilometers per hour.
According to weather officials, many areas including the state capital Dehradun could see light to moderate rainfall accompanied by hailstorms. Cloudy skies are likely to persist throughout the day, and the maximum temperature in Dehradun may drop by about 1°C due to the changing weather.
On Friday, Dehradun woke up to clear skies and bright sunshine, causing daytime temperatures to rise. The heat was noticeable, with both maximum and minimum temperatures recorded about 2°C above average. Despite the appearance of clouds in the afternoon, the humidity remained high. In contrast, temperatures in the hill regions remained closer to normal levels.
The weather department has identified higher chances of hail and lightning in districts such as Uttarkashi, Chamoli, Rudraprayag, Tehri, Bageshwar, and Almora. These areas may also experience gusty winds moving at 30 to 40 kilometers per hour. Similarly, areas like Dehradun, Pauri, Champawat, Nainital, Udham Singh Nagar, and Haridwar may face thunderstorms and isolated hailstorms.
There is also a forecast of strong winds potentially reaching speeds of up to 70 kilometers per hour. In response, the Uttarakhand State Disaster Management Authority has advised all district administrations to be on heightened alert. Local authorities and disaster response teams have been asked to remain prepared for any weather-related emergencies.
Looking ahead, the monsoon is expected to arrive in Uttarakhand on time this year. Rainfall between June and September is projected to be above average, which could help ease water shortages and support crop growth across the state.
Experts say there is currently no major indication of an El Niño event affecting India’s weather patterns, although a period of intense heat is likely from late April through May. The southwest monsoon typically enters the country through Kerala around June 1 and moves northward. In Uttarakhand, it generally arrives after June 15. Last year, the monsoon reached the state by June 28, but this year, it is likely to arrive between June 22 and 25.
This year’s rainfall is expected to be around 110% of the average, which is a positive sign for agriculture and water resources. However, before the monsoon arrives, the next few weeks could see rising temperatures and more heatwaves, with thunderstorms and lightning expected to continue over the next three days.
Residents are urged to stay informed about weather conditions and take all necessary precautions, especially in areas prone to storms and heavy rain.
