Dehradun Records Highest April Temperature in 17 Years as Uttarakhand Braces for Hailstorms and Heavy Rain

Key facts

• Dehradun recorded its highest April temperature in 17 years.
• An orange alert for heavy rain, hail, and lightning has been issued for Monday.
• Schools in Dehradun have been closed due to the weather.
• Flights were disrupted, with some diverted to Jaipur.
• Temperatures in higher altitudes have fallen 4-5°C below normal.
• across Uttarakhand.
• Rain is expected to continue from April 28 onward.

Record Heat Gives Way to Chaos

Just days after Dehradun sweltered through its hottest April in nearly two decades, the city and much of Uttarakhand are now bracing for a violent turn in the weather. The meteorological department has issued an orange alert for seven districts—including Dehradun and Nainital—warning of heavy rain, hailstorms, lightning, and gusty winds on Monday. The abrupt shift has forced authorities to close schools across Dehradun and disrupt air travel, with several flights diverted to Jaipur as conditions deteriorated. The state, which had been grappling with unseasonal heat, now faces the opposite extreme: temperatures in higher altitudes have plunged 4 to 5 degrees Celsius below normal.

Saturday’s Hail and Rain Mark the Turning Point

The change began on Saturday, when Dehradun and surrounding areas experienced a stark contrast: bright morning sunshine gave way to afternoon clouds, and by late evening, strong winds, light drizzle, and hail were reported in several localities. In the hill districts of Rudraprayag and Chamoli, moderate rainfall swept through most areas after noon. Tihri, Pauri, and Uttarkashi saw thunderstorms accompanied by hailstorms and squalls. Kumaon’s mountainous regions also received heavy downpours with thunder, bringing relief from the heat but raising concerns about damage to crops and property.

Orange Alert for Seven Districts on Monday

The meteorological center has specifically warned that Monday could bring intense rainfall, hailstorms, squalls, and lightning to Dehradun, Nainital, and five other districts. The orange alert is the second-highest warning level, indicating that residents should prepare for potentially hazardous conditions. Authorities have advised people to stay indoors, avoid travel unless necessary, and secure loose objects that could be blown away by strong winds. Farmers have been cautioned to protect their livestock and crops, as hailstones can cause significant damage in a short time.

Flights Disrupted, Schools Shut as Precaution

The severe weather has already begun to impact daily life. Flights from Dehradun’s Jolly Grant Airport faced disruptions, with some services diverted to Jaipur as visibility and wind conditions made landing unsafe. The decision to close schools in Dehradun was taken preemptively to avoid children being caught in the worst of the storm. While no major injuries or fatalities have been reported so far, the combination of hail, lightning, and gusty winds poses serious risks. Power outages are possible in affected areas, and authorities are on standby to respond to emergencies.

Temperatures Plummet Across the State

The sudden change in weather has brought a sharp drop in temperatures. Across most of Uttarakhand, both minimum and maximum readings are now below seasonal norms. In higher elevations, temperatures have fallen 4 to 5 degrees Celsius below average, a dramatic swing from the record heat just days earlier. This volatility is characteristic of the pre-monsoon season, but the intensity this year has caught many off guard. The meteorological department expects light to moderate rain to continue in the hills on Sunday, with the possibility of thunder and lightning.

Looking Ahead: More Rain Expected from April 28

Forecasters predict that the unsettled weather will persist, with rain expected to intensify from April 28 onward. The orange alert remains in place for Monday, but further warnings may be issued depending on how the system evolves. For a state that relies heavily on tourism and agriculture, the whiplash from extreme heat to hailstorms presents a dual challenge. While the rain is welcome after the heat, the violence of the storms—particularly the hail—threatens crops and infrastructure. Authorities are urging residents to remain vigilant as the weather continues to shift.

The bottom line

• Dehradun’s record April heat was followed by a severe weather system bringing hail, rain, and strong winds.
• An orange alert covers seven districts, with schools closed and flights disrupted.
• Temperatures in higher altitudes have dropped 4-5°C below normal.
• The meteorological department warns of continued rain from April 28.
• The sudden swing from heat to storms highlights the volatility of pre-monsoon weather in Uttarakhand.