Snow in the Hills, Rain in the Plains: Uttarakhand’s Surprising Pre-Holi Weather Alert

If you were planning to celebrate a dry and sunny Holi in Uttarakhand this year, you might want to keep an umbrella or a warm jacket handy. Mother Nature seems to have a different plan. Just as we’re gearing up for the festival of colors, a fresh "Western Disturbance" is moving in, and it’s set to shake things up across the state.The Snow and Rain Forecast According to the latest updates, the high-altitude regions like Chamoli, Rudraprayag, and Uttarkashi are likely to see a fresh dusting of snow. For tourists, this sounds like a dream—a white Holi! But for locals and travelers, it means a sudden dip in temperature.Down in the plains, including Dehradun, Rishikesh, and Haridwar, the forecast predicts light to moderate rainfall. The timing is a bit of a buzzkill for those planning outdoor Holi parties, as the moisture is expected to peak just a day or two before the main festivities.Why the Sudden Change? It’s all down to a "Western Disturbance"—a weather system originating from the Mediterranean that brings moisture-laden winds to North India. While February and March often see these transitions, this particular system is strong enough to cause a noticeable chill. So, don't pack away those sweaters just yet; the "Gulabi Thand" (the rosy winter chill) is sticking around for a little longer.Traveler’s Advisory If you’re heading to the Char Dham tracks or higher reaches, be prepared for slippery roads and potential travel delays. The weather department has issued an alert for localized thunderstorms in some districts, which could mean gusty winds alongside the rain.The Silver Lining On the bright side, the rain is actually good news for the local environment. It helps clear the haze and dust, making the mountain air even crisper. Plus, there’s something undeniably beautiful about the smell of rain on the hills just before the heat of summer kicks in.Our advice? Plan your Holi celebrations with a "Plan B" for indoors, and if you’re traveling, keep a close eye on the local weather apps before hitting the winding mountain roads.