This week has been full of ups and downs for weather enthusiasts in and around Dehradun. Today, we have an orange alert coupled with a warning regarding heavy rainfall accompanied with snowfall at higher altitudes. As the new year approaches, the hill stations are flooded with tourists who wish to witness the season’s first heavy snowfall. This notification from the weather department has caused a surge of excitement for locals and tourists alike. Read on to know more about what to expect in the upcoming days.
Condition Till Now
The cold wave has already gripped most parts of North India since one week. With dim sunlight and chilly winds, the conditions call forth the much awaited snowfall of the year. People who live in hilly areas wake up each morning these days with an expectation of snow–clad hills and a pleasant atmosphere.
Even though the beginning of December witnessed scattered snowfall in Shimla, Kashmir, Mussoorie and other regions, it was not a full fledged downpour. With temperatures decreasing every day, it is expected that the time is now ripe for the actual snowfall season which transforms the mountains into cradles of heaven, with trees and houses covered in dense snow.
What is the prediction?
The weather department has predicted that the low lying regions like Dehradun will witness the season’s first rainfall for a longer duration. On the other hand, the isolated places at a height of 2500 meters and above might get the much awaited snowfall. Though there was light drizzle and snow in Landour last evening, the people are waiting for the season’s best. As per the prediction, the next 24 hours are crucial in terms of weather. Dehradun and Uttarkashi inhabitants need to be careful regarding the weather.
What areas might be affected?
The orange alert is to indicate that the rainfall or snowfall (depending on the location) might not be scattered but moderate to heavy. It is to warn the people regarding any unforeseen circumstances. This is because the high-altitude regions have suffered from snow storms and landslides in the earlier years as well.
In regions above 2,500 meters, nearly the entire Uttarkashi district, along with the hills of Mussoorie, Dhanaulti, and surrounding areas, are expected to be blanketed in snow. Chakrata is also likely to experience its first heavy snowfall of the season, according to predictions. Other areas include:
- Ranikhet
- Nainital
- Joshimath
- Pithoragarh
- Auli
Though the list is not exhaustive, you can take the altitude as the benchmark for snowfall. Even though there is no prediction, the valleys might witness hailstones, as has been observed in the earlier years.
Temperature Predictions
The predictions are regarding isolated areas in Almora, Nainital, Uttarkashi, Bageshwar, Pithoragarh, Tehri and Dehradun. Friday evening, Dehradun Meteorological office has put out circulars to spread awareness amongst the people regarding drooping temperatures as well as snowfall warnings. Regarding the weather, the valleys have a temperature ranging from 10 to 24 degrees (minimum and maximum). The minimum temperatures in hilly areas might touch the zero degree celsius mark between evening and early morning. There is no such prediction of sub zero temperatures as of now but chances are high, given the existing weather conditions and chilling breeze all over the area.
Conclusion
Given the orange alert, the message notifications sent to the inhabitants and the drop in temperatures, it would not be a wrong thing to assume that the upcoming two days have the highest chances of snowfall in the regions mentioned above. If you are already in and around Uttarakhand, it might be the best time to witness snowfall. Every year, the place becomes akin to a snowy wonderland between Christmas and New Year.
Though the weather brings risks as well as excitement, make sure you drive carefully and carry necessary safety gear. Apart from that, the atmosphere is all set for the snow showers and you can easily catch a glimpse if you time your trip well!
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