Dehradun: On December 28, the Meteorological Department has issued a yellow alert for dense fog and cold wave in Haridwar, Udham Singh Nagar, Nainital, Champawat, Dehradun and lower parts of Pauri in Uttarakhand. Fog has been prevailing in Haridwar and Udham Singh Nagar since morning.
Clouds and cold wave warning in hilly areas
Clouds will be visible in the higher hilly areas of the state, but heavy snowfall is not expected in Udham Singh Nagar, Chamoli, Pithoragarh and Uttarkashi at this time. According to the Meteorological Department, rain and snowfall may occur in Uttarkashi, Chamoli, Pithoragarh and Rudraprayag districts on December 30-31 and January 1.
Cold winds and fog affect road traffic
Lower areas will remain shrouded in fog in the morning and evening, reducing visibility considerably. Vehicles are moving slowly, and people are forced to light fires to protect themselves from the cold. Kedarnath Dham in Rudraprayag district has not received snowfall for a long time.
Temperatures in major cities
Dehradun: Maximum 22.6°C, Minimum 7.2°C
Pantnagar: Maximum 15.0°C, Minimum 5.4°C
Mukteshwar: Maximum 18.7°C, Minimum 3.5°C
Tehri: Maximum 17.4°C, Minimum 3.2°C
Impact on tourism and agriculture
Tourists are looking forward to beautiful weather for the New Year holidays, but are disappointed by dry weather and lack of snowfall. Environmentalists are worried about the lack of snowfall in the Kedarnath hills.
Lack of snowfall and rain can have a negative impact on the apple crop and rabi crops. According to the agriculture department, if there is no rain, crops like wheat, barley, pulses, mustard, linseed, pigeon peas and gram can be damaged.