Uttarakhand’s hills were drenched in rain and snowfall on September 26‑27, 2024, a rare pattern that has already drawn attention from climatologists. The third occurrence of heavy precipitation in the month signals a significant shift in the region’s weather rhythm.
Dr. DP Dobhal, a former senior scientist at the Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology, explained that the snowline has moved upward, now touching elevations of about 4,000 metres. He said the rising temperatures are causing the snow to melt faster, preventing it from settling and freezing properly.
The Indian Meteorological Department issued forecasts for most districts of Uttarakhand covering September 26‑27, warning of erratic rainfall and heavy snowfall. In response, the state government urged residents and visitors to exercise extreme caution, check weather updates before travelling, and follow all safety advisories issued by administrative and meteorological agencies.
Experts say the trend of earlier and higher-altitude snowfall could erode glacier mass, compromising downstream water supplies. The government has pledged to review its disaster response plans and increase monitoring of glacial melt rates in the coming months.