In Uttarakhand, weather conditions are set to shift dramatically as the Meteorological Department has issued alerts for rain and thunderstorms across various districts. Starting from Wednesday, April 16, 2025, residents can expect light to moderate rainfall in the mountainous regions, with a yellow alert for lightning issued in several areas.
According to meteorologist Dr. Bikram Singh, the forecast indicates that the weather will change significantly, with rain likely in districts such as Uttarkashi, Chamoli, Pithoragarh, Bageshwar, Tehri, Rudraprayag, and Dehradun. "Today, some areas in the hilly regions may experience thunderstorms along with rain, while the weather in other districts is expected to remain clear," Dr. Singh stated.
The rain is expected to continue for the next four days, with particularly heavy precipitation anticipated on April 19. This change comes after a brief period of warm weather, where temperatures in Dehradun reached a maximum of 34 degrees Celsius and a minimum of 20 degrees Celsius on Wednesday.
On Tuesday, April 15, the maximum temperature recorded in Dehradun was 33.6 degrees Celsius, with a minimum of 19.9 degrees Celsius. Other areas also saw significant temperatures; Pantnagar recorded a maximum of 35.5 degrees Celsius, while Mukteshwar saw a cooler maximum of 21.1 degrees Celsius.
In the wake of this weather shift, the air quality index (AQI) in Dehradun was reported at 134, categorizing it as poor. As the weather changes, residents are advised to stay cautious, especially in areas under the yellow alert for thunderstorms. Dr. Singh warned, "People should avoid unnecessary outings during thunderstorms and take precautions if they must travel. We have seen damage from weather changes in the past, and safety should be a priority."
Furthermore, the recent warm weather has led to concerns about a potential dengue outbreak. Between April 1 and April 13, 2025, 15 cases of dengue virus were confirmed in various hospitals across Dehradun, prompting the health department to heighten its vigilance. The unexpected emergence of dengue cases in April has left many residents surprised, as this is typically not the season for such outbreaks.
As the week progresses, the forecast indicates a continued likelihood of rain and potential hailstorms in the mountainous districts, while the plains may remain dry. The Meteorological Department has also warned of the possibility of hailstorms alongside the rain.
Looking ahead, the weather is expected to worsen by Thursday, April 17, when heavy rains and strong winds are predicted for the hilly regions. The plains are expected to remain relatively dry, but thunderstorms could still occur.
Dr. Singh emphasized that from April 18 onwards, a western disturbance is expected to have a significant impact on the weather across the state. This could lead to widespread rain and thunderstorms, further altering the current weather patterns.
Overall, the upcoming weather changes are a reminder for residents to stay informed and prepared for potential disruptions. As Uttarakhand transitions from warm to cooler, wetter conditions, the importance of safety during thunderstorms cannot be overstated.
