Uttarakhand is witnessing a weather shift as rain and snowfall are expected in the mountainous regions due to a fresh Western Disturbance, while the plains continue to experience unseasonal heat. The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued alerts for travellers and residents to stay cautious.

Heat Persists in Plains

The plains of Uttarakhand, including Dehradun and Udham Singh Nagar, remain warmer than usual for February. Dehradun recorded a maximum temperature of 28.5°C, approximately 6 degrees above normal, while Udham Singh Nagar saw highs of 27.7°C. Bright sunshine is making the days feel unusually hot, raising health concerns for locals due to temperature fluctuations between day and night. Residents are advised to stay hydrated and use sun protection.

Rain and Snowfall in Hills

In contrast, the hilly districts such as Uttarkashi, Chamoli, Rudraprayag, Bageshwar, Pithoragarh, and Almora may experience light rain and snowfall at higher altitudes. Mukteshwar reported a maximum of 18.0°C and a minimum of 5.5°C, while New Tehri recorded highs of 18.7°C and lows of 5.8°C. The change is likely to increase cold conditions in the mountains, bringing relief from daytime heat in higher regions.

Safety and Health Advisory

The IMD has cautioned travellers to exercise care in high-altitude areas. Locals are encouraged to monitor sudden weather changes, as the combination of warm days and cold nights can lead to seasonal illnesses such as cough, cold, and fatigue. After this brief wet spell, the weather is expected to return to dry conditions, though temperatures will remain above average in the plains.