Southwest Monsoon Set to Enter Uttarakhand in 3-4 Days After Week-Long Delay

The southwest monsoon is expected to advance into Uttarakhand over the next three to four days , entering the state through the Kumaon region , according to officials at the Meteorological Centre.

The monsoon has already progressed into Madhya Pradesh and covered Bihar , with its current northern limit passing through Surat, Indore, Mandla, Daltonganj, and Motihari. Meteorologists said favourable atmospheric conditions are likely to support its further advance across the remaining parts of Uttar Pradesh before it reaches Uttarakhand.

The monsoon's arrival in the hill state has been delayed by nearly a week , as it normally covers most parts of Uttarakhand by June 25 .

The weather office has forecast light to moderate rainfall and thunderstorms in several hilly districts on Friday, while Haridwar and Udham Singh Nagar may receive isolated light showers. A watch warning has also been issued for isolated hilly areas, with the possibility of lightning, intense to very intense rainfall, and gusty winds of 40-50 kmph .

Light rainfall was recorded in parts of the state on Thursday, including 8 mm in Kotdwara, 7 mm in Kaladhungi, and 6 mm in Ramnagar .

Officials said rainfall activity is expected to intensify from June 28 , with heavy rain likely at isolated places in the Kumaon region on June 29 , marking the initial phase of the monsoon in the state.

Meanwhile, maximum temperatures remained above normal in the plains and near normal in the hills over the past 24 hours. Temperatures are expected to remain steady for the next few days before falling by 2-3 degrees Celsius . In Dehradun , the maximum and minimum temperatures on Friday are likely to be 36°C and 24°C , with a partly cloudy sky and light afternoon showers.