An orange alert has been issued in Uttarakhand due to the possibility of rainfall and adverse weather conditions in various parts of the state, especially in the hilly regions. Amid the alert, authorities in the state have urged Char Dham pilgrims and tourists to exercise extreme caution while travelling across the state.
The alert, issued for May 12 and 13, forecasts widespread rain and inclement weather in several parts of Uttarakhand, particularly in the high-altitude hilly regions, over the next 48 hours.
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), light to moderate rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms and snowfall is likely in parts of the hill districts during the period.
Officials warned that isolated mountainous areas could witness lightning strikes and gusty winds with speeds ranging between 40 and 50 kmph.
Garhwal Commissioner Vinay Shankar Pandey advised devotees undertaking the Char Dham Yatra to remain updated with the latest weather bulletins before proceeding with their journey.
“Pilgrims should obtain the latest weather updates and plan their journey with full caution,” Pandey said in a statement on Sunday.
He also suggested that travellers may find it more convenient to undertake the pilgrimage once weather conditions improve.
Recent weather observations indicate that maximum temperatures in the hill regions have remained noticeably below normal.
Pandey urged pilgrims and tourists to strictly follow directions issued by the administration and local authorities to ensure safe travel in the mountainous terrain.
The annual Char Dham Yatra, which attracts lakhs of devotees to the Himalayan shrines every year, began last month for the 2026 pilgrimage season.
The Garhwal commissioner said the Uttarakhand government remains committed to ensuring that the pilgrimage proceeds in a smooth and organised manner.
He added that all concerned departments have been instructed to maintain adequate preparations and put necessary safety arrangements in place for devotees.
Pandey also expressed confidence that the pilgrimage would continue successfully with the cooperation, awareness and vigilance of pilgrims visiting the shrines.
