Dehradun. A fresh surge of monsoon activity is set to lash Uttarakhand, with the state Meteorological Centre forecasting intense to very intense rainfall across large swathes of the region from 26 September through 28 September. The outlook includes periods of extremely heavy downpours, prompting red and orange alerts in several districts.
Snowfall Reaches Hemkund Sahib, Raising Chill Factor
In addition to the rain, fresh snow has begun to blanket the high‑altitude pilgrimage of Hemkund Sahib, causing temperatures to plunge sharply and adding a new layer of risk for visitors.
What the Weather Experts Say
Dr. C. S. Tomar, Chief Scientist at the Meteorological Centre, explained that a low‑pressure system lingering over southern Odisha and adjoining parts of southern Chhattisgarh is drifting north‑north‑westward, likely to intensify precipitation over Uttarakhand on 26‑27 September.
Red Alert on 26 September
Red warnings have been issued for Bageshwar, Nainital, Pithoragarh, Champawat and Udham Singh Nagar. These districts may experience heavy to very heavy rain, with isolated pockets of extremely heavy showers.
Districts such as Dehradun, Pauri, Chamoli, Rudraprayag and Almora are under orange alerts because of the likelihood of heavy to very heavy rainfall.
Continued Downpours on 27 September
On the following day, the districts of Dehradun, Tehri, Haridwar and Pauri are expected to receive heavy to very heavy rain, again with isolated bursts of extreme intensity, and a red alert remains in force.
Areas including Nainital, Uttarkashi, Chamoli and Rudraprayag will likely see heavy to very heavy rain accompanied by winds of 30‑40 km/h, warranting orange alerts.
Rain Expected to Persist on 28 September
The wet spell is projected to linger into 28 September, especially over parts of Uttarkashi, Haridwar and Dehradun. Thunderstorms and short‑lived but intense rain bursts may affect isolated locations.
Risks of Landslides and Flash Floods
The centre has warned that the anticipated heavy rainfall could trigger light to moderate landslides and rockfalls in vulnerable hill zones. Road networks may be blocked, river levels could rise sharply, and sudden flash floods might inundate low‑lying areas.
Temporary structures, bridges and construction sites are also at risk, and essential services such as electricity and drinking‑water supply could face interruptions.
Impact on Char Dham Yatra and Air Services
The prolonged rain may disrupt the Char Dham pilgrimage, mountaineering ventures and helicopter operations. Pilgrims and tourists are urged to stay vigilant, avoid travel through exposed routes unless absolutely necessary, and steer clear of swollen rivers, streams and drains.
Authorities recommend staying indoors during heavy downpours and refraining from crossing zones affected by active landslides.
