Finally, snowfall in Uttarakhand’s higher reachesafter record dry spell; plains get season’s 1st rain

Dehradun: Uttarakhand's higher Himalayan regions finally received the season's first snowfall on Friday, while plains and foothills their first spell of rain this winter, bringing much-needed relief after a record dry spell that stretched through Dec and most of Jan.Light to moderate snowfall was reported from several high-altitude areas in Char Dham districts. In Uttarkashi district, Harsil, Gangotri and Yamunotri recorded snowfall in morning hours, while Kedarnath and surrounding peaks in Rudraprayag district also turned white. Gangnani, Sankri and Jakhol in Uttarkashi district were under the snow cover too. Officials said the precipitation was triggered by a western disturbance that became active overnight.Mussoorie, the state's most popular hill station, received its first snowfall of the season on Friday, bringing cheer among tourists and locals. Snowfall began around 9am after a bright Thursday and continued through the day. Around 3 inches of snow accumulated along Mall Road, while higher areas such as Lal Tibba and Char Dukan reported nearly 5 inches. Sanjay Aggarwal, president of the Mussoorie Hotel Association, said, "Snowfall was much-needed for our ecology and came at an opportune time during a long weekend."Popular ski destination, Auli in Chamoli district, and surrounding higher reaches witnessed fresh snowfall. In Pithoragarh district, the first rain and snowfall of the winter season was recorded. Snowfall occurred on higher Himalayan peaks, including Panchachuli, Rajrambha and Hansling in Munsiyari region, as well as along the Kailash-Mansarovar route covering Kuti, Gunji and Nabi villages in Dharchula. By afternoon, rainfall spread across the district.In Bageshwar district, the season's first snowfall was recorded in high Himalayan villages of Pindar valley, including Borbalda, Khati, Jhuni and Khaljhuni, following rain and a sharp fall in temperatures. Similar weather conditions were also reported from Kausani and nearby areas, attracting tourists and bringing relief to farmers, who said the moisture would benefit rabi crops and improve soil conditions.Nainital's weather changed too. The city saw the season's first rainfall along with strong winds, and higher-altitude areas such as Himalayan Darshan, Naina Peak and Snow View witnessed light snowfall. There was rain in Haldwani and Lalkuan as well.Friday's spell led to road blockages on the Gangotri and Yamunotri national highways, with clearing operations underway, as per officials. Power supply was disrupted in some areas.Plains and foothills, including Dehradun, received light rainfall through the day, leading to a noticeable dip in daytime temperatures.Director of Regional Meteorological Centre, CS Tomar, said, "Light to moderate rain was recorded in most areas, while snowfall occurred mainly in regions situated above around 2,300 metres. The current spell is likely to weaken and move out by Jan 24, after which precipitation may be confined mainly to northern districts."Tomar added that another western disturbance is expected from Jan 26, which could bring fresh rain and snow on Jan 27 and 28, with snowfall largely restricted to areas above 2,500m. An orange alert has been issued for districts, including Uttarkashi, Dehradun, Rudraprayag, Chamoli, Bageshwar and Pithoragarh, as per officials.(Inputs from Anmol Jain, Ashish Mishra, Sonali Mishra, Yogesh Nagarkoti and Prem Punetha)