For the past few days, the heat in Uttarakhand has been showing its full intensity. The blazing sun and stinging, burning heat have been relentlessly scorching the region. The situation was such that, following last Sunday, the maximum temperature in Dehradun remained above 40 degrees Celsius on Monday as well, forcing people to contend with severe heat and hot winds. Heatwave-like conditions persisted not only during the day but also into the evening hours.
Looking at the statistics, Dehradun’s maximum temperature on Sunday was recorded at 40.4 degrees Celsius—five degrees higher than normal. On Monday, this figure remained unchanged, subjecting people to intense heat throughout the day. From early morning, the blazing sun and strong, hot winds left people in distress. Conditions were such that an eerie silence prevailed on the streets during the afternoon hours.
The impact of the heat was not limited to the daytime alone; hot, heatwave-like winds continued to blow even in the evening. According to the forecast issued by the Meteorological Centre, there is currently no likelihood of any relief from the heat in the coming days. The temperature is predicted to reach up to 41 degrees Celsius on Tuesday. Consequently, people have been advised to exercise caution to protect themselves from the severity of the heatwave. Doctors have advised people to avoid venturing outdoors unnecessarily during the afternoon, to drink plenty of water, and to wear light clothing. Furthermore, specific instructions have been issued to pay special attention to the well-being of children and the elderly.
Forecast of Light Rain in the Hills
There are indications of light rainfall in the hilly districts of the state. According to the forecast released by the Meteorological Centre, light rain accompanied by lightning is predicted in certain parts of the Uttarkashi, Rudraprayag, Chamoli, Bageshwar, and Pithoragarh districts. Meanwhile, hot winds may cause discomfort in the hilly regions bordering the plains. Looking ahead to the coming days, there is a possibility of light rain in the high-altitude areas of the state until May 31st, whereas there appear to be no prospects of relief in the plains for the next three to four days.