Snowfall is expected in Uttarakhand on New Year’s Day, cold day alert also issued
Uttarakhand did experience some rainfall in October, but no rain was recorded in November and December. However, rain and snowfall are expected in some areas in the coming days. Meanwhile, due to fog, the Meteorological Department has issued a yellow alert for cold day conditions in two districts.
This December has been almost completely dry in Uttarakhand. While some parts of the state did receive rainfall in October, the rainfall figures for November and December have been extremely disappointing.
Average rainfall in December is 14 millimeters
According to the Meteorological Department’s records, the average rainfall in the state during December is typically 14 millimeters, but this figure has not been reached this year. However, looking at the data from previous years, low rainfall in December is not uncommon.
Snowfall expected on New Year
Weather records from the past 25 years show that only 10 of those years saw significant rainfall in December. In some years, the activity of Western Disturbances led to rain and snowfall in December, but in most years, the month remained dry. Meanwhile, the Meteorological Department has provided some reassuring news for tourists visiting Uttarakhand for the New Year.
Areas where snowfall is expected
According to the department, light rain and snowfall are expected in some parts of the state between December 31st and January 1st and 2nd. This means that tourists planning to visit the higher Himalayan regions for the New Year may have the opportunity to enjoy light snowfall.
According to the weather forecast, snowfall is expected in areas above 3200 meters. District-wise, light snowfall is possible in the higher reaches of Uttarkashi, Chamoli, Rudraprayag, Bageshwar, and Pithoragarh. Light rain is expected in the lower and middle mountainous regions.
Dense fog has lowered temperatures
On the other hand, the cold spell continues in the plains districts. Due to dense fog in Udham Singh Nagar and Haridwar, temperatures are being recorded below normal during both the day and night. The maximum daytime temperature in these districts is approximately 5 to 6 degrees Celsius below normal.
Cold Day Conditions
Dense fog has led to cold day conditions in Udham Singh Nagar and Haridwar districts, prompting the Meteorological Department to issue a yellow alert. Meanwhile, in the hilly districts, clear skies and sunshine have resulted in daytime temperatures being slightly above normal. However, the cold weather persists during the morning and evening hours.
In the coming days, the effects of fog may also be seen in some areas of Dehradun, Pauri, Nainital, and Champawat, in addition to Udham Singh Nagar and Haridwar. The Meteorological Department states that there is currently no possibility of rain or snowfall in the state during the first week after January 2nd. Therefore, there will be no snowfall at the higher altitude tourist destinations of Uttarakhand after January 2nd, 2026. Overall, after some mild weather activity at the beginning of the new year, dry and cold weather is expected to prevail once again in the state.
