Rain, hailstorms in Uttarakhand over the week

The weather department on Monday forecast light to moderate rains, squall and hailstorms at some places in the hill state of Uttarakhand during this week.

While the rains are likely to come as a relief to the state facing unprecedented forest fires, a warning has been sounded for the squall and hail.

"Western disturbances and an east-west trough from Punjab to northwest Bay of Bengal in lower levels with embedded cyclonic circulations, one over Punjab and the neighbourhood, and another over southeast Uttar Pradesh and the neighbourhood are likely to affect northwest India, including Uttarakhand, mainly from May 3 to May 6," an official said.

He said that over the week, maximum temperatures are likely to fall markedly from Wednesday and will remain near or below normal in the next 5-6 days.

Under the influence of the weather systems, fairly widespread light to moderate thunderstorm, rains and thunder squall at speeds reaching 60-70 km per hour were likely to occur at isolated places.

"Farmers are advised to take necessary precautionary measures to prevent damage to crops wherever possible as strong winds, squall and hail could damage kutcha houses at some places," the weatherman warned.

--IANS

md/pm/dg