Uttarakhand witnessed heavy rain and snowfall on Friday, January 23, coinciding with Basant Panchami. For most areas, this was the first rainfall and snowfall of the season. The resulting drop in temperature has intensified the cold across the state. Traffic was also disrupted in several places due to road closures. Heavy rain and snowfall were recorded in Uttarkashi, Dehradun, Rudraprayag, Bageshwar, Chamoli, and Pithoragarh districts on Friday. It is also noteworthy that after a long time, almost all the hill towns of the state received significant snowfall during this first spell of winter precipitation.
Rain and Snowfall After Two and a Half Months, and Delayed
Uttarakhand received rainfall after a gap of two and a half months. The last rainfall was in November 2025. The prolonged dry spell had created drought-like conditions. While snowfall usually occurs in the state by the end of December, this year it was delayed.
Rain and Snowfall to Continue
The Meteorological Department has predicted light rain in Uttarkashi, Rudraprayag, Chamoli, Bageshwar, and Pithoragarh districts on Saturday, with snowfall expected in areas above 2300 meters. Strong winds are also possible. This weather pattern is likely to continue until January 29th. Minimum temperatures may drop further in the next two to three days. Fog may once again blanket the plains districts. According to the Meteorological Department, a new Western Disturbance may affect Northwest India from January 26th.