The Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC) of the India Meteorological Department (IMD) in Dehradun has forecast a fresh spell of rain and light snowfall across several parts of Uttarakhand over the next 24 hours.
The change in weather comes after nearly a week of clear skies that followed a previous active western disturbance which had brought widespread precipitation and snow earlier this month.
According to the latest IMD bulletin, very light to light rainfall is expected at isolated places in Uttarkashi, Dehradun, Chamoli, Pithoragarh, Bageshwar, and Rudraprayag districts between October 21 and 22. Snowfall is also likely at elevations above 3,500 metres, especially in the higher reaches of Chamoli, Pithoragarh, and Uttarkashi, where temperatures are expected to dip further.
Officials at the Met Centre have attributed the upcoming weather activity to a weak western disturbance moving across the western Himalayan region. “There is a likelihood of brief spells of light precipitation, particularly in the higher reaches and foothills. However, the overall intensity will remain low, and no significant disruption is expected,” said a senior official from the RMC.
In addition to light rain and snow, the IMD has also issued a warning for isolated thunderstorms accompanied by lightning in Uttarkashi, Rudraprayag, Chamoli, Bageshwar, and Pithoragarh districts. Residents in these areas have been advised to stay alert and take necessary precautions, especially in hilly terrain where sudden weather changes can lead to temporary disruptions in travel and communication.
Meanwhile, dry conditions are likely to prevail across the remaining districts, including Haridwar, Nainital, Almora, and Udham Singh Nagar, where temperatures are expected to remain stable. On Tuesday, cloudy conditions were reported in Dehradun and nearby regions, with light mist observed during the morning hours, hinting at the incoming system.
The IMD has stated that the fresh spell is expected to pass quickly, with weather conditions likely to improve by Wednesday afternoon. However, as winter gradually approaches, officials have indicated that more frequent western disturbances could bring intermittent rain and snow to the hill state in the coming weeks, particularly in upper Himalayan zones.
Local authorities have urged travellers and pilgrims heading towards higher altitudes to check weather updates regularly and plan their journeys accordingly. With the festive season and ongoing pilgrim movement in parts of Garhwal and Kumaon, maintaining caution remains crucial to ensure safety amid changing weather conditions.
