Dehradun: Uttarakhand is witnessing an unprecedented winter, with higher Himalayan regions recording almost no snowfall this season. From October to January, snowfall levels across several high-altitude areas have remained close to zero, raising serious environmental concerns. For the first time since 1985, January has passed without snow accumulation in Tungnath, a renowned region in Rudraprayag district. Similar conditions have been observed in iconic pilgrimage sites such as Badrinath and Kedarnath, where thick snow cover is usually seen during this period.
The unusual absence of snow is not limited to a few locations. Popular hill stations including Nainital, Mussoorie and Mukteshwar have also remained snow-free this winter. Even the Gunji region, situated at an altitude of around 15,000 feet, has not received snowfall, an event considered extremely rare by local residents and experts.
Meteorologists attribute this alarming trend primarily to global warming and climate change. Rising temperatures and shifting weather patterns are gradually pushing Uttarakhand towards what scientists describe as a “snowless zone.” The lack of snow is already having visible consequences, with incidents of forest fires increasing in the hills—phenomena that were earlier largely confined to the summer months.
Environmental experts warn that continued snow deficit could severely impact the Himalayan ecosystem, water sources, agriculture and tourism. Satellite images released by NASA reportedly show dry slopes around Kedarnath, an unusual sight for January. Similar conditions have been observed in the Badrinath region, further strengthening concerns about a growing “snow drought” in the Himalayan belt of Uttarakhand.
Another key factor behind the snowless winter has been the weak western disturbances this season. Typically, four to five active western disturbances bring rain and snowfall to Uttarakhand during winter. This year, however, the systems remained weak and diverted southwards before reaching the state, depriving the mountains of snowfall.
According to the Meteorological Department, a western disturbance currently positioned southeast of Kashmir may approach Uttarakhand by January 21. If the system strengthens, there is still a possibility of snowfall in some parts of the state. Scientists, however, caution that unless long-term climate trends are addressed, such snow-deficit winters could become more frequent in the coming years.
