Light to moderate rain and snowfall continued across Uttarakhand’s higher-altitude regions on Sunday, prompting authorities to issue avalanche alerts in several hill districts amid unstable weather conditions, officials said.
According to the Meteorological Centre in Dehradun, snowfall and rain were recorded in areas above 2,800 metres in Uttarkashi, Chamoli, Rudraprayag, Bageshwar and Pithoragarh districts over the past 24 hours till 8.30 am. Mixed weather conditions are expected to persist, with light to moderate rain and snowfall likely at a few places, especially in high-altitude areas.
The weather department said Dehradun and Nainital districts may also witness very light rain or snowfall in isolated higher reaches, while the remaining districts are expected to remain largely dry. A yellow alert has been issued for thunderstorms accompanied by lightning in Uttarkashi, Chamoli, Rudraprayag, Bageshwar and Pithoragarh on Tuesday. Thunderstorms with gusty winds of 30–40 kmph are also likely in parts of Dehradun, Pauri, Haridwar, Nainital and Udham Singh Nagar.
The State Emergency Control Centre has issued a safety advisory for high-altitude regions, warning of a dual threat from avalanches and turbulent weather. The Defence Geoinformatics Research Establishment (DGRE) has declared a Danger Level 2 (Yellow Alert) for avalanche risk in Chamoli district, valid for 24 hours from Sunday evening. Danger Level 1 (Green Alert) has been issued for Rudraprayag and Pithoragarh, advising caution in snow-bound areas.
Authorities have urged residents and tourists to avoid steep slopes and avalanche-prone zones, clear snow from rooftops to prevent damage, and remain alert while travelling in snowy terrain. People have also been advised not to stop in vulnerable locations and to be cautious of rocks and trees that may obstruct snow slides.
IMD Dehradun Centre director CS Tomar said the current western disturbance is likely to persist overnight, while a weaker system is developing but is expected to have minimal impact. Weather conditions are likely to begin improving from February 4.
In Uttarkashi, light snowfall was reported in Yamunotri Dham, Kharsali and higher reaches of the Gangotri region, leading authorities to temporarily halt the movement of travellers as a precaution.
Rainfall data showed Kashipur recording the highest rainfall in the state at 10 mm, followed by Jaspur at 5 mm and the Uttarakhand Technical University area at 4 mm. Light showers were also reported in Chakrata, Kotdwar and Roorkee.