IMD Warns of Heavy to Very Heavy Rainfall; Authorities Shut Schools and Advise Residents to Avoid Unnecessary Travel
Heavy monsoon showers continue to lash Uttarakhand, prompting authorities to take precautionary measures across several districts. Following a fresh warning from the India Meteorological Department (IMD), all schools and Anganwadi centres in Dehradun remained closed on Tuesday, July 28, as the state braces for intense rainfall over the next few days.
The IMD has also issued an orange alert for Chamoli, Rudraprayag, Uttarkashi, Pithoragarh, and Udham Singh Nagar, cautioning residents about heavy to very heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, and possible weather-related disruptions.
IMD Forecast Predicts Intense Rainfall Across Hill Districts
According to the weather department, several parts of Uttarakhand are likely to experience very heavy to extremely heavy rainfall. Areas expected to be most affected include Purola, Barkot, Gangotri, Kedarnath, Badrinath, Sonprayag, Tharali, the Nanda Devi region, Munsyari, Berinag, Gangolihat, Didihat, Jaspur, Rudrapur, and Khatima.
Continuous rainfall over the past few days has already increased the risk of landslides, waterlogging, and road blockages, especially in the state’s hilly regions.
Schools Remain Closed in Dehradun and Bageshwar
As a safety measure, the Dehradun administration ordered the closure of all schools and Anganwadi centres after the IMD forecast warned of heavy rain and lightning.
In Bageshwar district, educational institutions from Classes 1 to 12, along with Anganwadi centres, also remained closed for the second consecutive day due to persistent rainfall. Officials said the decision was taken to ensure the safety of students and staff amid worsening weather conditions.
Pilgrimage Routes and Hill Areas Under Close Watch
The ongoing rainfall has heightened concerns along the Char Dham Yatra routes, particularly in Kedarnath, Badrinath, Gangotri, and Sonprayag, where heavy showers could trigger landslides and falling debris.
The district administration has advised pilgrims and tourists to monitor the latest weather updates before beginning their journey and to avoid traveling during periods of intense rainfall.
Meanwhile, hill regions such as Munsyari, Berinag, Khatima, and parts of Nainital district remain vulnerable to landslides and road disruptions.
Administration Issues Safety Advisory
Authorities have urged residents and visitors to remain cautious as the wet spell continues.
People have been advised to:
- Avoid unnecessary travel between July 28 and July 30.
- Stay away from rivers, streams, and overflowing drains.
- Follow weather advisories issued by local authorities.
- Exercise extra caution while traveling on hilly roads due to the risk of landslides and rockfalls.
Municipal officials in Haridwar and Udham Singh Nagar have also been instructed to stay prepared for possible waterlogging in low-lying areas.
Although the rain has brought relief from the intense heat and humidity in the plains, authorities remain focused on minimizing weather-related risks.
Heavy Rain Likely to Continue Till July 30
The IMD expects the current spell of monsoon rainfall to continue through July 30.
On July 29, heavy rain is likely over Dehradun, Tehri, Uttarkashi, Rudraprayag, Chamoli, and Bageshwar. Another round of significant rainfall is forecast for July 30, with Uttarkashi, Dehradun, Nainital, and Bageshwar expected to receive heavy showers.
Residents have been advised to remain alert and keep track of official weather updates as monsoon activity remains strong across Uttarakhand.