Dehradun: Uttarakhand’s high-altitude areas received the first snowfall of the season on Friday, bringing relief from a prolonged dry spell and significantly intensifying the cold wave across the state. The sudden change in weather has led to a sharp drop in temperatures, particularly in the hill regions.
Several mountainous areas, including Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri, Yamunotri, Auli, Mussoorie, Chakrata, Dhanaulti and parts of Uttarkashi, were covered in a thick blanket of snow. The fresh snowfall also enhanced the scenic beauty of popular tourist destinations, drawing visitors to hill towns such as Mussoorie, where crowds were seen on Mall Road and other viewpoints. Many tourists shared visuals of the snowfall on social media.
In contrast, the plains and lower-lying regions, including the state capital Dehradun, witnessed steady rainfall since morning, further adding to the chill. Farmers and horticulturists, especially apple growers who had been awaiting precipitation for their crops, welcomed the snowfall and rain, terming it beneficial for agriculture.
The India Meteorological Department has issued an ‘Orange Alert’ for Uttarakhand, warning of continued snowfall in higher reaches and rainfall in lower areas over the coming days. The department has also cautioned about the possibility of hailstorms accompanied by strong winds in some parts of the state, advising residents and travellers to remain alert.
Authorities have urged people in snow-bound and landslide-prone areas to take necessary precautions as the weather is expected to remain severe.
