Forecasters have warned of light rain and snowfall in five hill districts of Uttarakhand today, raising hopes of renewed winter cover in popular tourist destinations. The Uttarakhand weather forecast indicates precipitation is most likely in Uttarkashi, Chamoli, Rudraprayag, Bageshwar and Pithoragarh, with snow expected above 2,800 metres.
Uttarakhand weather forecast
The Meteorological Centre reported that parts of the higher Himalaya received snowfall in the afternoon on Thursday, including Niti Malari valley in Chamoli and the sacred sites at Badrinath and Hemkund Sahib. The snowfall followed a drop in temperature that has encouraged tourists who had been waiting in Auli and Niti Malari to stay on site in hope of more accumulation over the next few days.
In the plains and lower reaches, dense morning fog has reduced visibility across several districts. A yellow alert for thick fog remains in place for Dehradun, Haridwar, Pauri, Udham Singh Nagar, Nainital and Champawat. The fog has already disrupted transport: at least eight flights into Dehradun experienced delays and some train services were affected.
Authorities advised caution for motorists and commuters as visibility fluctuates through the day. Road agencies and local administrations are monitoring conditions and issuing warnings where required, while rescue and traffic teams remain on standby for weather-related incidents.
The weather office said precipitation in mountainous areas will mainly affect slopes above 2,800 metres, where snowfall is likely. Lower hill stations may see light rain. The immediate outlook is for generally dry weather across the state for the next two days, with a shift expected on 5 January, after which conditions are forecast to remain dry on 6 and 7 January.
Local tourism operators welcomed the prospect of fresh snow, which could boost activity at ski and trekking centres. Many visitors who travel to Auli, Chamoli and surrounding valleys during winter are closely watching forecasts for heavier snowfall that would improve skiing conditions and scenic appeal.
However, environmental and health concerns persist. Air quality in some urban areas has worsened significantly, with air quality index readings exceeding 300 in parts of Dehradun and other districts. Officials warned that people with asthma and other respiratory ailments, as well as young children, may face difficulty and should limit outdoor exposure. Measures to monitor and mitigate pollution remain in place.
The state government and meteorological agencies urged residents and travellers to stay updated with local advisories. Those planning trips to high-altitude religious or tourist sites were advised to pack appropriate winter gear and to make contingency arrangements in case of sudden weather changes.
For now, the Uttarakhand weather forecast points to a brief period of mountain snowfall and persistent fog in the plains, with transport and public health advisories in effect until conditions improve.
Key Takeaways:
- Uttarakhand weather forecast: light rain and snowfall possible in Uttarkashi, Chamoli, Rudraprayag, Bageshwar and Pithoragarh.
- Snow expected above 2,800 metres; Badrinath and Hemkund Sahib saw snowfall on Thursday, prompting a fall in temperature.
- Dense fog in plains has prompted a yellow alert for several districts and disrupted flights and trains.
- Air quality has deteriorated with AQI above 300 in parts of the state, affecting respiratory patients and children.
