Friday, 25 March 2022 | PNS | Dehradun
Uttarakhand is forecast to experience a dry spell from March 24 to April 2 with maximum temperatures in some places expected to break past records for the month of March. Current meteorological analysis and Numerical Weather Prediction models indicate the prevalence of northwesterly/westerly dry winds over Uttarakhand during the said period in lower and mid tropospheric levels. Under the influence of these meteorological conditions dry weather is likely to prevail on most of the days over Uttarakhand during the period.
The State meteorological centre informed on Thursday that due to dry weather conditions, the temperatures are likely to increase by three to four degrees Celsius after 48 hours with maximum temperatures reaching seven to nine degrees Celsius above normal and the minimum temperatures reaching five to six degrees Celsius above normal at many places over Uttarakhand. The maximum temperatures are likely to reach 37-38 degrees Celsius in the plains and and 26-28 degrees Celsius in the mountainous regions (2,000 metres) after March 27 with no large change in maximum temperature thereafter till April 2. Due to these temperature conditions, the maximum temperatures are very likely to cross the past highest maximum temperature records at a few places over plains of Uttarakhand. Further, light to moderate rain/thunderstorm are likely to occur at isolated places in the mountainous regions on March 30.
The meteorological centre stated that due to prevalence of dry weather conditions and atmospheric stability and increase in maximum temperature from March 27, the conditions are becoming favourable for initiation and spread of forest fires in central parts/districts of the state. The state authorities are advised to establish firebreak and conduct controlled burning to limit fuel loads in vulnerable areas. The increase in maximum temperatures in mountains is likely to trigger snow melting and thereby making conditions favourable for avalanche at isolated places in higher reaches (above 3,500 metres) of Uttarkashi, Chamoli, Rudraprayag, Pithoragarh and Bageshwar districts after March 27. The state government authorities are advised to take necessary preventive measures and issue necessary guidelines.
