Early snowfall has begun in the mountains of Northern India. A white blanket of snow has covered Kedarnath Dham, Gangotri, and Gomukh in the state of Uttarakhand.
As a result of the recent snowfall in the Dras and Jojila Pass areas in the states of Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh, there has been a significant drop in temperature. The meteorological department predicts that snowfall will continue in the high-altitude regions.
In the renowned Kedarnath temple complex in Uttarakhand state, snowfall has continued for the second consecutive day. Following the first heavy snowfall, the appearance of the sanctuary has completely changed: the surrounding hills are covered with a white snow cover, and the temple itself and the area around it have also begun to snow.
On one hand, the snow-covered mountains attract pilgrims, but the drop in temperature and severe cold create difficulties for travelers. The snowfall began last night and has led to a significant drop in temperature in Kedarnath, intensifying the feeling of cold, especially in open areas where pilgrims are located and moving.
After prolonged snowfalls, the peaks around Kedarnath look completely white. The area near the temple is also covered in snow. Videos have appeared online from this location showing snow falling from the sky, and the mountains covered in a white blanket.
Every year at the beginning of winter, the temperature in Kedarnath begins to drop sharply. This year, the heavy snowfall has intensified the impact of the cold. These weather changes force people arriving at the sanctuary to exercise increased caution.
The continuous snowfall for the second day in a row has led to increased cold. In such weather conditions, it is extremely important that pilgrims arriving at the sanctuary have warm clothing with them. Those traveling during the snowfall must monitor the weather conditions and take precautions.
Although the sight of Kedarnath during snowfall can be very picturesque, the drop in temperature and changeable weather remain a serious challenge for pilgrims.
Heavy snow regularly falls in Kedarnath during winter, causing the temple to close for the winter period. This year, the temple gates will close on November 11th in observance of Bhai Dooj festival at 8:30 AM. After this, the sacred procession of Baba Kedar will proceed to the Omkareshwar temple, located in Ukhimath. Worship of Baba will be conducted there during the winter. Next year, the gates will reopen at a favorable time in the summer.
Rainy weather and increased cold are expected in the mountains in the coming days. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), rain is forecast in some areas of Uttarakhand between October 28 and November 1. Additionally, precipitation is possible in the states of Himachal Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir on October 29 and 30.
Heavy rain is expected in Uttarakhand on October 30. Climate change may lead to a drop in temperature in mountainous regions, and attention will be paid to whether snow falls in high-altitude zones. However, the IMD forecast does not explicitly confirm snowfall.
These weather changes may also affect the plains. Rain, thunderstorms, and strong winds are expected in parts of Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi, and Uttar Pradesh. Therefore, people planning trips to the mountains should take the weather forecast into account when planning their routes.
The IMD reports that rain is possible in several places in Uttarakhand from October 28 to November 1. Strong winds with thunderstorms are predicted for October 29 and 30, with speeds reaching 30–40 kilometers per hour, and gusts up to 50 kilometers per hour. Heavy rain is possible in the state on October 30 in some places, which could increase slipperiness on mountain roads and create difficulties for travelers. Although rain may intensify the cold, there is no explicit warning of snowfall yet.
In Himachal Pradesh, rain and the possibility of lightning are forecast for October 29 and 30. Similarly, rain is possible in Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh on the same dates. On October 30, strong winds, thunderstorms, and lightning are expected in Jammu and Kashmir and surrounding areas, with wind speeds reaching 40–50 kilometers per hour and gusts up to 60 kilometers per hour. Snowfall in the high-altitude areas of these states will depend on temperature and weather conditions, so it cannot be stated that snow will definitely fall.
According to the IMD, rain is possible in Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, and Delhi from October 28 to 31. Precipitation is expected in western Uttar Pradesh and eastern Rajasthan from October 29 to 31. Rain is forecasted in western Rajasthan on October 29 and 30, while many areas in eastern Uttar Pradesh are expected to see rain, some of which may be very heavy. Heavy rain is also forecast in some areas on October 31.
Due to rain and cloud cover, the cold may intensify in mountainous regions. Temperatures feel lower in high-altitude zones in the morning and at night. Nevertheless, the IMD has not yet provided data on how much the temperature will drop. Significantly lower temperatures are required for snowfall, so a rain warning does not automatically mean snowfall. More information about the weather conditions can be obtained in the coming days, and those planning to go to the mountains should consider warnings about rain, strong winds, and lightning when planning their trip.
