Heavy rain, landslides, rockfalls: What the IMD said about Uttarakhand's weather this week, following Chamoli cloudburst

There is unlikely to be any let-up in the weather in Chamoli after the cloudburst over Tharali today.

The India Meteorological Department's (IMD) Meteorological Centre in Dehradun has issued a detailed 7-day district-level weather forecast and warnings for the August 23-29 period. It indicates widespread light to moderate rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms across most places in the state (including Chamoli), with specific warnings for heavy to very heavy rain and associated risks on certain days.

For the Chamoli district, the forecast predicts light to moderate rain or thundershowers on August 23, 24, and 25, likely to occur at most places.

From August 26 onwards, the rain is expected mainly in the Garhwal division districts (including Chamoli) with variable distribution until August 29, after which many places in the district may experience showers.

Accompanying these rains, district-level warnings highlight heavy to very heavy rain and thunderstorms with lightning on August 23, 24, and 25 in Chamoli.

These severe weather events are forecast as very intense to extremely intense spells of rain intermittently striking the district. Moderate to very intense rain is also expected during this period in Chamoli’s neighbouring districts.

From August 26 to 29, the warnings continue with heavy rain likely at isolated places in Chamoli, alongside intermittent thunderstorms with lightning, and spells of rain described as "intense to very intense".

The weather centre has also advised that these conditions could lead to localised heavy downpours and adverse weather events.

The district-level impact assessment for Chamoli includes a range of possible hazards due to heavy rains and thunderstorms. The risks involve minor landslides and rockfalls in vulnerable and sensitive areas, blocking or washing out roads, highways, bridges, and link roads, which may disrupt transportation. Waterlogging is possible in low-lying areas. Lightning strikes pose a threat to life and property, necessitating caution.

Specific advisories for residents and authorities in Chamoli emphasise prudence and preparedness. People living near rivulets, streams, and in landslide-prone or vulnerable zones are strongly advised to remain alert and take safety precautions.

It is recommended to avoid travel during intense rain and thunderstorm periods unless necessary and to remain indoors during heavy rains or flash floods. Travellers, including pilgrims and tourists—especially those visiting Char Dham or other locations—must exercise caution, monitor weather updates regularly through media and social channels, and heed safety advice.

Lightning safety is strongly emphasised: seeking shelter in safe places, avoiding taking refuge under trees, properly sheltering animals during storms, and steering clear of all conductive objects is advised.

Farmers are urged to protect crops and stored produce, which may sustain minor damage due to excessive water. All harvested produce should be kept in safe, dry places.

Authorities are advised to be vigilant and take preventive actions to ensure public safety and smooth transportation. This includes managing dams, barrages, reservoirs, and hydroelectric power plants effectively to avoid sudden water releases. Construction activities like houses, bridges, tunnels, and roads may be halted during the period of heavy rainfall to prevent accidents or damage.

The forecast warns that heavy to very heavy rain coupled with intense thunderstorm activity could cause moderate rises in water levels of major rivers and tributaries in Chamoli, increasing the risk of flash floods. Rapid runoff from mountainous and steep terrains is likely to cause sudden water surges in rivulets and streams. Flash flooding and inundation of low-lying areas are also possible in the district.

Potential disruptions to infrastructure and services include the risk of power outages and water supply interruptions at isolated places.

Communication and transportation networks such as railways, highways, and air operations could be affected, particularly flights and helicopter services that operate to and from remote helipads in the region.

The advisory further advises mountaineering expeditions to be halted and expedition members to relocate to safer areas during the forecasted severe weather. Vulnerable communities must avoid travelling in risky conditions, especially on steep slopes and landslide-prone zones.

Residents and authorities in Chamoli are urged to stay indoors during heavy rainfall and flash flooding events, avoid crossing landslide-affected or flooded areas, and follow all government and meteorological updates closely. The use of social and local media is strongly encouraged for timely information.

Military and paramilitary posts in remote and vulnerable locations within the district should maintain heightened alertness due to the increased risk of landslides and flash floods.

Lastly, the advisory also includes reminders to farmers to ensure effective drainage of excess water from agricultural fields to minimise crop damage. Continuous heavy rainfall may necessitate coordinated action to safeguard agricultural productivity.