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 .