Uttarakhand braces for intense heat; ‘plains may touch 40°C’: Met

Dehradun: Uttarakhand is likely to witness a sharp rise in temperatures over the next few days, as the maximum temperature may breach the 40 degree Celsius mark in the plains, as dry weather conditions continue to prevail across the state, the regional meteorological centre said on Monday.According to the forecast, temperatures in the plains are expected to cross the 40 degree Celsius mark within the next 48 hours, raising the possibility of heatwave-like conditions in several districts.Officials at the meteorological centre said Haridwar and Udham Singh Nagar are likely to record maximum temperatures above 40°C, while Dehradun — where the mercury touched 39°C on Monday, nearly three degrees above normal — may also breach the 40°C mark this week.Rohit Thapliyal, scientist at the regional meteorological centre, said the prevailing weather pattern is leading to rapid heating across the plains and valley regions of the state. “We will see temperatures breaching 40°C at a few places in the plains and foothills in the next few days,” Thapliyal said.Meteorologists attributed the sudden spike in temperatures to the absence of western disturbances and lack of pre-monsoon rainfall activity across north India, including Uttarakhand. Officials said the state recorded nearly 40% rainfall deficit over the past week, contributing to the prolonged dry spell.Clear skies and continuous dry northwesterly winds are allowing intense solar radiation during daytime, resulting in a steady rise in temperatures, especially in low-lying areas, an official said. The meteorological department also said low moisture levels in the atmosphere are preventing cloud formation, further intensifying daytime heat.Officials said temperatures in several parts of the state have remained above normal over the past few days, with hot conditions becoming more pronounced during afternoon hours.Meanwhile, hill districts are likely to witness warmer-than-normal conditions, although temperatures there are expected to remain comparatively lower than the plains. For instance, the maximum temperature in Mukteshwar in Nainital district was recorded at 28°C, almost three notches above normal.Weather officials said no significant rainfall activity is likely across the state in the immediate future, indicating that the rising temperature trend may continue for the next few days.