IMD warns rain and hail in Uttarakhand
New Delhi: Amidst the ongoing Char Dham Yatra in Uttarakhand, the Meteorological Department has issued a major warning for devotees and tourists. Releasing its forecast for the next five days, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) center in Dehradun has issued an 'Orange Alert' for rain in the hilly districts on May 12 and 13.
During these two days, there is a possibility of heavy rainfall, thunderstorms accompanied by lightning, hailstorms, and gusty winds blowing at speeds of 40-50 kilometers per hour.
According to the IMD, on May 11, several districts—including Uttarkashi, Rudraprayag, Chamoli, Bageshwar, Pithoragarh, Almora, and Nainital—are expected to experience rain accompanied by thunderstorms and strong winds.
The weather is expected to be most active on May 12 and 13, while a 'Yellow Alert' will remain in effect for most districts of the state on May 14 as well.
Orange Alert in These Districts
Uttarkashi, Chamoli, Rudraprayag, Bageshwar, and Pithoragarh are under a warning for heavy rain, hailstorms, lightning, and strong winds (40-50 kmph) on May 12 and 13. The weather is likely to have a direct impact on the Char Dham Yatra routes (Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath).
Yellow Alert in These Areas
The plains and semi-hilly districts—including Dehradun, Tehri, Pauri, Almora, Nainital, Champawat, and Udham Singh Nagar—are likely to experience light to moderate rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms.
Garhwal Commissioner Vinay Shankar Pandey has appealed to devotees to commence their journey only after obtaining the latest weather updates. Pandey stated that pilgrims should check weather updates and plan their journey with utmost caution. It would be more convenient to undertake the journey once the weather conditions normalize.
Administrative Advisory and Precautions
Exercise special caution in landslide-prone areas, near rivers and streams, and along hilly routes. Refrain from staying in open areas to protect yourself from lightning and strong winds.
During your journey, adhere to the guidelines issued by the local administration and the Meteorological Department.
It is worth noting that, in recent days, maximum temperatures in the hilly regions have been recorded significantly below normal levels, thereby exacerbating weather instability.
The Char Dham Yatra commenced in April, and lakhs of devotees are participating in this sacred pilgrimage. All agencies remain on high alert to ensure the safety of the travelers.
