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Uttarakhand weather: Heavy rain, hailstorms disrupt life; flooded drains, roadblocks in Chamoli, Pithoragarh & Nainital, IMD issues alert

Dehradun: As per the IMD prediction for Tuesday weather, Uttarakhand witnessed dramatic weather shifts today, with heavy rain, hailstorms, and strong winds causing disruptions from Nainital-Haldwani to Pithoragarh-Chamoli.

Overflowing rain drains, blocked roads, and a sharp drop in temperatures marked the day as mountain districts battled extreme conditions.

Rains cause havoc in hills

Today, Chamoli district saw a sudden change in weather, with intense rainfall battering lower regions while snowfall gripped higher altitudes. In Mandal Valley, a heavy hailstorm covered the ground, impacting local businesses and transportation.

Meanwhile, Uttarkashi, Pithoragarh, and Bageshwar experienced periods of intense rainfall accompanied by gusty winds. Roads in several areas became slippery, leading to travel disruptions. The rain-fed drains swelled, prompting authorities to urge residents to stay away from riverbanks and water channels.

In the plain districts, Dehradun remained mostly dry during the morning, but clouds gathered by late afternoon, leading to brief spells of rain that increased humidity. However, Haridwar, Roorkee, and Udham Singh Nagar continued to face intense heat, with the temperature crossing 37°C, making outdoor conditions uncomfortable.

IMD forecasts more rain and storms

The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted rain and thunderstorms across Uttarakhand until May 23. Winds could reach speeds of 40-50 km/h, especially in Chamoli, Rudraprayag, Uttarkashi, Bageshwar, and Pithoragarh. Light rain was recorded in Pauri, Haridwar, Almora, Tehri, Nainital, Champawat, and Udham Singh Nagar, with some areas experiencing thunderstorms.

The next two days could bring similar rainfall patterns, before a possible stabilization in weather post-May 23. Despite cooling trends in hill districts, the plains continue to experience heat waves.

Char Dham pilgrims advised to be cautious

With heavy rains affecting the mountain districts, authorities have urged Char Dham pilgrims traveling to Kedarnath, Badrinath, Gangotri, and Yamunotri to remain extra cautious. Travelers have been advised to check water levels before crossing rivers or streams. Disaster management teams have been placed on alert, ensuring support in case of landslides or flash floods. Pilgrims already en route to the sacred sites were advised to delay movement in severely affected areas.

Authorities urge caution as weather remains unstable

With rains intensifying in mountain districts, locals and travelers have been advised to stay indoors during peak storm hours. The IMD’s extended warning suggests that Uttarakhand could see more unstable weather over the next few days.