Dehradun stays above 40°C for 2nd day as state swelters under heatwave

Dehradun: Uttarakhand continued to reel under intense heat on Thursday, with Dehradun recording temperatures above 40°C for the second consecutive day, while hill regions also witnessed unusually high daytime temperatures.According to the regional meteorological centre, Dehradun recorded a maximum temperature of 40.2°C on Thursday, slightly lower than the 40.6°C recorded a day earlier. In the hills, Mukteshwar recorded temperatures above 30°C -- nearly six degrees above normal -- underlining the widespread impact of the ongoing warm spell across the state. Meteorological centre director CS Tomar said, “Some relief from the intense heat is likely over the next couple of days.”The Met office has forecast heatwave conditions at isolated places in Dehradun, Haridwar, Pauri, Nainital and Udham Singh Nagar districts, besides adjoining areas of Uttarkashi.Meteorologists attributed the sharp rise in temperatures partly to prevailing wind patterns over north India. “Westerly winds coming from the Rajasthan side are causing a rise in temperatures in Dehradun and Haridwar. Temperatures in Kumaon are still relatively lower because the region is witnessing easterly winds at lower levels,” Tomar said.Climate experts said the increasing heat in Uttarakhand reflects broader warming trends affecting Himalayan regions. Raghu Murtugudde, professor of atmospheric and oceanic science and Earth system science at the University of Maryland and visiting professor at IIT Kanpur, said, “High-altitude regions are warming faster due to shrinking snow cover and climate-driven changes. Reduced snow cover lowers the Earth’s reflectivity, causing more solar heat to be absorbed. This creates a powerful ice-albedo feedback that accelerates warming.”He added that black carbon pollution, rapid urbanisation, deforestation and declining snowfall are further intensifying warming across the Himalayas.Officials said dry weather conditions, clear skies and strong solar radiation are likely to keep temperatures above normal in the coming days. Authorities have advised people to avoid prolonged exposure to heat during afternoon hours and stay adequately hydrated.