Uttarakhand Weather: Mercury Dips, Hills Jammed

• 06 Feb 2024

Why in News?

Parts of Uttarakhand received a fresh round of snow and rainfall, offering respite from the prevailing dry spell and bringing down temperatures across the region.

• The overcast conditions led to a surge in tourist influx to Mussoorie and its vicinity.

Key Points

• According to India Meteorological Department's regional meteorological centre in Dehradun, upper reaches of the Garhwal Himalayas, such as Kedarnath, Badrinath, Gangotri, Yamunotri and Harsil received substantial snowfall.
• In the foothills, sporadic rainfall has occurred which led to a notable drop in daytime temperatures.

India Meteorological Department (IMD)

• IMD was established in 1875. It is the National Meteorological Service of the country and the principal government agency in all matters relating to meteorology and allied subjects.
  • It works as an agency of the Ministry of Earth Sciences of the Government of India.
• It is headquartered in New Delhi.
• IMD is also one of the six Regional Specialized Meteorological Centres of the World Meteorological Organization.

Yamunotri

• Location: Uttarkashi district.
• Dedicated to: Goddess Yamuna.
• River Yamuna is the second-most sacred river in India after River Ganga.

Gangotri

• Location: Uttarkashi district.
• Dedicated to: Goddess Ganga.
• Considered the most sacred of all Indian rivers.

Kedarnath

• Location: Rudraprayag district.
• Dedicated to: Lord Shiva.
• Situated on the bank of the Mandakini River.
• One of the 12 Jyotirlingas (divine representations of Lord Shiva) in India.

Badrinath

• Location: Chamoli district.
• Home to the sacred Badrinarayan Temple.
• Dedicated to: Lord Vishnu.
• One of the holy shrines for Vaishnavites .