Monsoon to intensify next week, heavy rain likely in Uttarakhand

After witnessing subdued rain activity in the past week, Uttarakhand is likely to see heavy rain after July 24. The meteorological centre said on Wednesday that light to moderate showers are expected to continue throughout the current week.

“We have witnessed sluggish rain activity in the past week. But we are hopeful that the expected spell from July 24 will compensate for the shortfall. Monsoon activity will intensify and heavy rain is expected between July 24 and 26,” said Bikram Singh, director, meteorological Centre.

Singh added that light to moderate showers will continue to lash parts of Uttarakhand in the current week. According to data released by the Met centre, Uttarakhand recorded 25% rain deficit in the week ending July 18 with almost 10 districts of the state receiving less than normal rainfall. The state received 77mm rain against normal rainfall of 102.1mm between July 13 and 19.

Champawat was the driest of all districts and witnessed 88% shortfall of rain while Haridwar witnessed 86% deficient rain and Dehradun recorded 48% shortfall. Districts of Almora, Uttarkashi and Chamoli witnessed surplus rain.

The temperatures have also gone up across the state in the past couple of days. Dehradun recorded the maximum temperature at 33.3 degrees Celsius on Wednesday, almost three notches above normal, while the minimum remained at 25 degrees Celsius, which was two degrees above normal. In Pantnagar, maximum temperature crossed 36 degrees, three notches above normal.