Uttarakhand is in the grip of bizarre weather trends, with scorching temperatures setting new limits, even as unpredictable surplus rainfall disrupts the usual climate narrative. With cities like Dehradun and Haridwar facing a sudden rise in heat, residents are dealing with a puzzling mix of heatwave warnings and unexpected rains.
Unusually High Temperatures
In March 2025, Dehradun's temperature peaked at an unusual 34°C, beating seasonal norms by a noticeable 3.5 degrees. This isn't new, though. Summers here have seen record highs, like the blistering 43°C reported in 2024, a number unheard of for this region. The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has cautioned that this heat is just the beginning. They're forecasting even higher-than-average temperatures for the spring and summer months, with predictions of Dehradun reaching up to a whopping 40°C by mid-April.
Elsewhere, even Srinagar in Jammu & Kashmir, which usually enjoys cooler summers, breached 35°C last year, reflecting a striking pattern of rising temperatures in traditionally cooler hill stations.
Complex Rainfall Patterns
Meanwhile, March 2025 saw overall rainfall in Uttarakhand that was 5% above usual, a result of active western disturbances. While some areas enjoy the extra rain, the picture isn’t the same everywhere. Take Haridwar, for example, which experienced a surprising 58% rainfall deficit. This mismatch between regions highlights the complex climate in this mountainous state, where you’ll find dry spells and heavy rains in different districts at the same time.
In contrast, districts like Tehri Garhwal reported hefty rains with a 55% surplus this March. This variety in weather patterns perplexes residents and experts alike, as they grapple with fluctuating temperatures and inconsistent rainfall.
The challenges these changes bring are numerous. For cities like Dehradun and Haridwar, navigating the impact of rising temperatures amid unpredictable weather conditions will demand attention and potentially new approaches to weather mitigation and adaptation strategies.