Chill Intensifies in Uttarakhand; Snowfall Likely in Higher Altitudes from December 4

Dehradun: November in Uttarakhand has passed unusually dry. Typically, higher-altitude areas witness early snowfall, but this year, precipitation remained minimal. However, the Meteorological Department has forecast light rain and snowfall in Uttarkashi, Chamoli, and Pithoragarh starting December 4, while other districts are expected to remain dry.

Nighttime Temperatures Plummet
The state is experiencing biting cold during the night, with a sharp drop in minimum temperatures leading to increased chill from the hills to the plains during mornings and evenings. Daytime sunshine provides temporary relief from the cold. According to the Meteorological Centre, the weather is unlikely to change significantly over the next two days.

Western Disturbance Brings Snow and Rain
The activation of a western disturbance is expected to bring light rainfall and snowfall to higher-altitude regions of Uttarkashi, Chamoli, and Pithoragarh from December 4. Minimum temperatures in Uttarakhand could drop by 2–3°C over the next four to five days. Mountainous areas may also experience light to moderate fog.

Record Dry November
The state has experienced predominantly dry conditions throughout November. Average rainfall for the month was just 0.1 mm, a 98% deficit compared to the normal 6.4 mm. The lack of precipitation has intensified the cold at night. The dry weather, combined with bright sunlight, has led to a significant variation between day and night temperatures, with daytime highs slightly above normal and nighttime lows dropping well below average. On Saturday night, the minimum temperature recorded was 8.2°C—the lowest since 2020.

Impact on Air Quality
The absence of rainfall has also affected air quality. The Central Pollution Control Board’s bulletin shows Dehradun’s AQI at 92, categorized as satisfactory but not ideal. Meteorologists note that rainfall would improve air quality significantly.

Residents are advised to prepare for colder nights and early winter conditions in the coming days, particularly in the hill districts of Uttarakhand.