Updated on July 6, 2015: As reiterated by Skymet, heavy rains have been recorded at many places in Uttarakhand. In the last 24 hours Nainital received 120 mm of rain, Dehradun (84 mm), Pithoragarh (52 mm), and Pantnagar recorded 26 mm of rain. The western districts of Uttarakhand will receive heavy to very heavy rain during the next 24 hours. This may result in landslides and flooding over various areas of the state.
However, the intensity of rain over the eastern parts of Uttarakhand will be relatively less. But, good rain will be observed over this region as well. The rainfall activity will continue till the next 2 days. Thereafter, there will be a significant reduction in the rainfall. The rain belt will shift towards the southwest direction and more rain will occur over Haryana, Punjab and the foothills of Uttar Pradesh.
Updated on July 5, 2015: Heavy rainfall activity was observed in Uttarakhand around June 28. But thereafter, scattered rain continued over many parts of the state. Since two days, Uttarakhand has been receiving scattered rainfall but the intensity of rain is not severe. Rain in the region has not threatened life and property so far.
But now, rainfall over the entire state and the hilly regions of western Himalayas will pick up by evening of July 6. As per Skymet Meteorology Division in India, heavy to very heavy rainfall is then likely to continue over the region for at least next 48 hours. This intense weather activity may also trigger massive flooding and landslides over many parts of the state.
Currently, the western end of the Monsoon trough is running close to the foothills of Himalayas. This trough will also be supported by an inbound Western Disturbance (WD) which is currently hovering above West Pakistan and adjoining areas. The expected escalation of rainfall activity in Uttarakhand can be attributed to these two factors.
Though heavy rainfall is expected on July 8 as well, only scattered rain is likely to continue over the region thereafter. These rains will be lesser in intensity but can still cause problems to the ongoing Kailash Mansarovar Yatra. Adequate precautionary measures must be taken in order to avoid any mishaps.
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