Rain, thunderstorm likely across Uttarakhand from Tuesday

In relief to people sizzling under sweltering heat sweeping Uttrarakhand for the past many days, heavy rain accompanied by thunderstorm is likely to lash parts of Uttarakhand over the next few days.

The meteorological centre on Monday warned of heavy rainfall at isolated places in Pithoragarh, Nainital, Rudraprayag and Chamoli districts during the next 48 hours starting Tuesday afternoon or evening.

Moreover, thunder squall, accompanied by hail, of up to 70-80 kmph likely to hit isolated places in Uttarkahand, including Dehradun and Haridwar, between Tuesday evening and Thursday.

Meteorological centre director Bikram Singh said, “Weather is expected to change Tuesday onward with many places in the hills are likely to receive heavy spell of rainfall, leading to dip in temperatures, which were settling above normal for the past many days.”

In Dehradun, the maximum crossed 39 degrees Celsius, four notches above normal, while the minimum remained at 25.7, three degrees above normal.

Even as plains continued to experience scorching heat, several places in the hilly areas received showers on Monday, bringing some respite. Munsyari in Pithoragarh district received 40mm rain, while Uttarkashi witnessed intermitted showers.

Similarly, other places in the state are also witnessing a rise in mercury, with plains of Terai recording above 40 degrees.
RK Singh, meteorologist at GB Pant University, Pantnagar, said while thunderstorm activity with gusty winds had been predicted for the hilly this week, the Terai-Bhabhar region might see no such activity. “In fact, the day temperature is set to rise by a couple of degrees here during the week,” said Singh. On Monday, Rudrapur recorded a maximum of 42 degrees, two notches above normal, while the minimum settled at 28.

The weatherman, meanwhile, predicted a gradual rise in the temperature in the coming week. Besides, a rise in humidity will cause discomfort to people. “Concentration of pre-monsoon rain belt currently lies in the eastern region of the country, and the central meteorological department reports suggest that monsoon will arrive by June 15. So, there are chances of having pre-monsoon rain between June 11 and 13 in Uttarakhand,” said Singh.