The annual Char Dham Yatra in Uttarakhand has been suspended from Saturday afternoon until Sunday, September 27, 2026, due to a red alert issued by the India Meteorological Department (IMD) for heavy to extremely heavy rainfall in several districts of the state. The decision, taken to ensure the safety of pilgrims, comes as a deep depression over northeast Madhya Pradesh moves towards southeast Uttar Pradesh.
Uttarakhand on High Alert with Red and Orange Rainfall Warnings
The IMD has issued a red alert for heavy rainfall in Bageshwar, Pithoragarh, Champawat, Nainital, and Udham Singh Nagar on Saturday, September 26. An orange alert has been issued for Dehradun, Pauri, Rudraprayag, Chamoli, and Almora, while a yellow alert is in place for Haridwar, Uttarkashi, and Tehri. For Sunday, September 27, the red alert extends to Dehradun, Tehri, Pauri, and Haridwar, with an orange alert for Uttarkashi, Chamoli, Nainital, and Rudraprayag. The meteorological department has warned of potential landslides, road blockages, flash floods, and rising river levels due to the intense precipitation. Snowfall is also anticipated at elevations above 4,000 meters. The Garhwal Commissioner, Anand Swaroop, has directed all district magistrates to implement necessary safety measures and monitor local conditions closely. The pilgrimage is set to resume once weather conditions improve. The suspension affects travel to prominent shrines like Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri, and Yamunotri.
In addition to the Char Dham Yatra, Hemkund Sahib pilgrimage and trekking activities in higher Himalayan regions have also been suspended. The Rudraprayag district administration has been placed on high alert, and helicopter services to Kedarnath have been halted due to unfavorable weather conditions. Schools in several affected districts of Uttarakhand have been closed. Heavy rainfall has already caused waterlogging in areas like Almora and disrupted broadband services in Mussoorie.
Uttar Pradesh Braces for Intense Downpours
Uttar Pradesh is also facing a severe weather forecast, with the IMD issuing a red alert for numerous districts due to heavy to very heavy rainfall, accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning, predicted for Saturday and Sunday. The state government has alerted district administrations, particularly in areas identified as vulnerable to flash floods. Lucknow recorded 125.8 mm of rainfall in the 21 hours ending Saturday morning, with strong winds damaging standing crops in rural areas. Schools in districts under red alert have been closed, and relief and rescue agencies are on standby. The weather system, a depression over northeast Madhya Pradesh and adjoining north Chhattisgarh, is moving north-northwestwards towards southeast Uttar Pradesh and is expected to gradually weaken.
The IMD has forecast intense rainfall activity over eastern Uttar Pradesh on Saturday and Sunday, with western Uttar Pradesh also expected to receive heavy downpours on Saturday. Extremely heavy rainfall is possible at isolated locations. The state government has emphasized the need for prompt response to weather-related emergencies and has directed officials to assess damage to crops and property, providing assistance to affected families within 24 hours. People have been advised to avoid unnecessary travel, stay away from open areas, trees, and water bodies during thunderstorms and lightning.
Andhra Pradesh Experiences Rainfall Amidst Broader Weather Patterns
Meanwhile, in Andhra Pradesh, rainfall is expected in various parts of the state, with temperatures remaining high. While not under the same level of alert as Uttarakhand and Uttar Pradesh, localized heavy showers and thunderstorms are forecast in some regions. The state government has advised fishermen against venturing into the sea due to rough conditions along the Odisha and north Andhra Pradesh coasts. Heavy rain could also impact agricultural crops. The overall weather pattern indicates a continuation of monsoon activity in central and northern India, with the current depression moving inland.
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The Chenab Times News Desk
