Snowfall hits Chamoli as rain lashes Uttarakhand
Snowfall has begun in the higher reaches of Chamoli, Uttarakhand, causing temperatures to plummet. Heavy rain alerts issued for the state.
The higher reaches of Uttarakhand's Chamoli district have witnessed the onset of snowfall amidst ongoing intermittent rainfall. This sudden weather shift has triggered a significant drop in temperatures, bringing intense cold to the region.
Cold Wave Hits Hemkund Sahib and Badrinath
The weather conditions have taken a sharp turn at high-altitude shrines. At Hemkund Sahib, continuous snowfall has begun to cover the area under a thick blanket of white, leading to a drastic decline in temperatures. This extreme cold is being felt by the large number of devotees currently arriving at both Hemkund Sahib and Badrinath Dham for the ongoing pilgrimage.
Weather Alert Issued for Uttarakhand
The Meteorological Department has issued a warning for heavy to very heavy rainfall across most districts of Uttarakhand for September 26 and 27. In response to the escalating weather volatility, the state government has issued a cautionary advisory, urging citizens and travelers to:
- Avoid unnecessary travel during this period.
- Monitor weather updates regularly before heading out.
- Follow all advisories issued by local administration and weather agencies.
Rainfall Disruptions in Uttar Pradesh
The impact of the heavy rainfall is not limited to Uttarakhand; parts of Uttar Pradesh are also facing significant disruptions due to continuous downpours and strong winds.
School Closures in Varanasi and Lucknow
In response to the heavy rainfall alert, authorities in Uttar Pradesh have taken precautionary measures to ensure safety:
- Varanasi: The district administration has ordered the closure of all schools—from primary to Class 12—on September 26.
- Lucknow: Schools across all boards, from Class 1 to Class 12, will remain closed on September 26 following instructions from the District Magistrate.
Impact on Agriculture and Markets
The persistent rain over the last two days has brought cooler temperatures but has also caused damage to crops in various areas. Additionally, the heavy rainfall in Varanasi has led to a sharp spike in the prices of green vegetables, affecting local markets.