Dehradun: The Uttarakhand state administration has been placed on high alert as the Defence Geoinformatics Research Establishment (DGRE) issued a Danger Level-3 (Orange Alert) avalanche warning for the higher reaches of the state today, January 24. Combined with the Meteorological Department’s “Severe Cold Day” confirmation, several district magistrates have ordered the immediate closure of all educational institutions.
Emergency Alert: Avalanche Risk & Snowline
The DGRE Chandigarh has flagged specific risks for the following regions through Sunday evening:
- Danger Level-3 (High Risk): Uttarkashi, Chamoli, Rudraprayag, and Pithoragarh (especially above 2,800m).
- Danger Level-2 (Moderate Risk): Bageshwar district.
- Snowline Status: While the peak of the current storm has passed, residual light snow continues above 2,300 meters.
School Closures & Public Safety
In response to the plummeting temperatures and slippery road conditions, a public holiday has been declared for all schools and Anganwadi centers (Class 1-12) in:
- Dehradun, Uttarkashi, Tehri, Pauri, Chamoli, and Pithoragarh.Residents are advised to avoid unnecessary travel, particularly in the early morning hours when black ice makes mountain roads extremely hazardous.
Temperature Crash: Dehradun Records “Severe Cold Day”
The IMD confirmed that Dehradun’s maximum temperature has dipped 6.1 degrees Celsius below normal, settling at just 14 degrees Celsius.
- The Next 72 Hours: A further drop of 3 to 4 degrees Celsius is expected as skies clear, leading to dense fog in Haridwar and Udham Singh Nagar.
- Looking Ahead: A fresh, intense Western Disturbance is forecasted to hit the Himalayas on January 26-27, bringing another round of heavy precipitation.
Road & Logistics Update
- Highway Status: Roads near Joshimath and the Hanuman Chatti-Kharsali stretch are currently facing disruptions due to snow accumulation.
- Power Lines: Isolated outages have been reported in the upper villages of Chamoli. Repair teams are on standby but facing delays due to the avalanche risk.
FAQ Section
A: No. The main shrines are closed for the winter. Travel is restricted beyond the winter seats (Joshimath and Ukhimath) due to the Level-3 avalanche warning issued for high-altitude zones.
A: Reopening depends on local weather conditions. A fresh assessment will be made on Sunday evening by respective District Magistrates.
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AUTHORSHIP & TRANSPARENCY
- Reported by: KittoNews Desk
- Edited by: Senior Desk
- Source Transparency: “Data synthesized from IMD Dehradun Bulletin and DGRE Chandigarh Avalanche Warning (Jan 24, 2026).”
- Community Question: “Is your local school closed today? Let us know the conditions in your area in the comments below.”
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