Uttarakhand witnessed overnight snowfall and rain in various regions on Thursday, bringing relief from a prolonged dry spell that had been posing a threat to the apple crop in the upper Himalayan region. According to the meteorological department, the continuing snowfall and rain are expected to cause a temperature drop of 4-5 degrees Celsius.
The recent change in weather conditions has proven beneficial for the apple crop in the upper Himalayan areas, where the dry spell was posing challenges. The snowfall in the upper reaches and intermittent showers in the lower areas have covered several districts, including Chamoli, Uttarkashi, Rudraprayag, Tehri, and Dehradun.
Prominent religious and tourist destinations such as Badrinath, Hemkund Sahib, Valley of Flowers, Nanda Devi National Park, Kedarnath, Gangotri, and Yamunotri, along with Chakrata in Dehradun district, are now adorned with a fresh layer of snow.
The meteorological department had issued a yellow alert, indicating the possibility of heavy rain, snowfall, and thunderstorms at isolated places in the hills of Uttarakhand for a 24-hour period starting Wednesday evening.
As per the current meteorological analysis and weather prediction models, an active western disturbance is expected to influence Uttarakhand from January 31 to February 1. This weather pattern is contributing to the ongoing precipitation, providing a much-needed respite from the dry conditions and boosting agricultural prospects in the region.
Farmers and residents welcome the change in weather, hoping that the snowfall and rain will continue to enhance soil moisture levels and support the overall agricultural landscape. The picturesque landscapes covered in snow also attract tourists, adding to the charm of Uttarakhand’s natural beauty during the winter season.
