Orange alert in Uttarakhand, Char Dham pilgrims advised to stay alert amid 'intense shower' warning

Uttarakhand hills

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an Orange Alert for Uttarakhand today, warning of thunderstorms, hailstorms and strong winds in several parts of the state. Residents and authorities are being warned to stay prepared as unstable weather conditions are forecast to persist over the next five days.

According to the IMD’s latest advisory, isolated parts of all districts in Uttarakhand may experience thunderstorms, with wind speeds predicted to range from 40 to 70 kilometres per hour. The alert is particularly significant for the hilly regions, where intense showers accompanied by thunder and possible hail are expected. The department has also highlighted the risk of lightning activity throughout the state, urging people to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions.

The onset of this weather system coincides with the start of the Char Dham Yatra, a major pilgrimage attracting thousands of devotees to the sacred sites of Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath and Badrinath. Authorities have issued special advisories for pilgrims, recommending caution on the yatra routes due to the likelihood of rain, thunderstorms and strong winds, particularly between 1 and 6 May. Pilgrims are advised to travel with care, dress warmly and stay alert to rapidly changing mountain conditions.

On Wednesday, Dehradun and most other regions experienced bright sunshine in the morning, but clouds began gathering by evening. Some hilly areas received light showers, offering brief respite from the recent heatwave. In the plains, maximum temperatures hovered around the seasonal average, with the minimum temperature remaining above normal. Winds sweeping across both hills and plains have helped reduce the humid heat.

The IMD’s forecast indicates that the unsettled weather is set to continue, with partial cloud cover expected from the mountains to the plains. Isolated showers, thunder and hailstorms are likely in the hills, while strong winds are predicted in the plains. The department has also warned of potential squalls and gusty winds, especially on 3 May, when wind speeds could reach up to 70 km/h.

In response to these warnings, district administrations have been instructed to remain on high alert, particularly along the Char Dham Yatra routes and in sensitive areas prone to landslides. Special attention is being paid to the safety of vehicular movement in these regions.

This spell of inclement weather is expected to bring a slight drop in temperatures, providing temporary relief from the ongoing heat. However, the IMD continues to urge residents and travellers to monitor updates and follow safety advisories as conditions evolve.