Heavy snowfall adds to chill in Vaishno Devi, Kedarnath, Yamunotri
The snowfall has affected the flow of pilgrims. Helicopter services to Vashnodevi have been suspended.
The shrine of Vaishnodevi in Katra area of Jammu has witnessed severe snowfall coupled with cold winds and rains. The snowfall has affected the flow of pilgrims on the stretch. Earlier today, due to bad weather and fog around Trikuta hills, helicopter services were suspended for the second day in a row to the shrine.
The four Himalayan shrines of Kedarnath, Badrinath, Gangotri and Yamunotri located in these districts are snow-laden while the maximum temperature has plummeted by 4-6 degrees Celsius at most places due to light to moderate rains adding to the chill.
According to Jagdish Singh, Sub -Divisional Magistrate, that upper reaches of Bharoghati has witnessed heavy snowfall followed by rainfall. Singh said that the snow in the upper reaches has began melting. He added that the yatra will increase in view of December 31.
According to Singh, the number of pilgrims is expected to cross 50,000 in view of the new year celebrations, as many pilgrims celebrate it at Vaishnodevi.
In view of the rains and snowy winds, cars run on battery have been halted to avoid any untoward incident on the 13 km stretch. Singh added that the yatra is moving smoothly between Katra and Bhawan and the pilgrims have been asked to wear warm clothes.
Sources close to the shrine said that they are expecting heavy snowfall in the temple area tonight.
SNOWFALL, RAINS IN HILL DISTRICTS OF UTTARAKHAND
Earlier today, snowfall was reported in the higher reaches of the hill districts of Uttarakhand. Incidentally, rains in most places brought the temperatures down across the state today making it chillier.
Widespread rains were reported from most places in the last 24 hours while 1-2 feet of snow was received in areas located above 3,000 feet and in Chamoli, Rudraprayag and Uttarkashi districts, Meteorological office director Vikram Singh said.
The maximum temperature in Dehradun yesterday was 26 degrees Celsius which hovered around 20 degrees Celsius, he said. Overcast conditions still prevail and intermittent rains are continuing, he said. Similar weather will persist in Uttarakhand till tomorrow, he said, adding that the clouds may lift by Thursday morning. However, minimum temperature will drop as the weather clears up, Singh said.OVERNIGHT DRIZZLING IN DELHI
Meanwhile, on Monday Delhi witnessed drizzles bringing down the temperature in the adjoining cities. The minimum temperature was recorded 10 degree Celsius against 14 of Monday and the maximum temperature was recorded 22 deg Celsius, three notches below yesterday.
The rain helped the dust and smog to settle and the pollution level was down to 'poor' category. The chilly winds attracted tourists at popular destinations like India Gate and Rajpath. The parks and lawns adjoining India Gate were also full with tourists.
The weathermen say the temperature is likely to decrease further and the minimum is likely to hover around 9-10 degree Celsius.
"Due to a fresh western disturbance the clouds will remain in Delhi's sky throughout the week and the maximum temperature will not increase above 22 degree Celsius. Light spells of rain can also occur," said a weather department official.