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Dehradun: Uttarakhand is experiencing unusual weather this May, with continuous rain, cold winds, and dense fog making the month feel like December or January.

The sudden drop in temperature has disrupted daily life, affected tourism, and caused heavy damage to crops in several districts.

Mussoorie markets deserted

In Mussoorie, heavy rain since morning left Mall Road and other markets deserted. Tourists remained confined to hotels, while locals struggled with waterlogging and slippery roads. Schoolchildren and office-goers faced difficulties commuting. The maximum temperature dropped to 14 degrees, forcing people to wear sweaters and jackets in May.

Pindar Valley crop losses

In Chamoli’s Pindar Valley, farmers reported severe damage to crops. Continuous rain and storms since late April have destroyed standing wheat and other produce. In Adi Badri, residents have been wearing winter clothing due to the chill. Farmers say the weather has ruined their year’s hard work, and they are demanding compensation.

Haridwar drenched

Rain has continued in Haridwar since the start of May, leaving the atmosphere moist and chilly. On Wednesday, sunshine briefly returned, but temperatures dropped again by Thursday morning. Pilgrims and Char Dham Yatra devotees were fewer in number, waiting for the weather to clear before resuming travel.

Ghansali hailstorm havoc

In Ghansali (Bhilangana block), hailstorms have wreaked havoc on wheat crops. Farmers who harvested part of their produce found it deteriorating due to lack of sunlight, while standing crops were destroyed completely. Villagers say the continuous rain and hailstorms have left them facing financial hardship. They have appealed to the administration for immediate relief.

Public response

The unusual cold has surprised residents across the state. People are resorting to warm clothing, while fog and slippery roads have disrupted normal life. Farmers, in particular, are bearing the brunt of the weather, with crop failures threatening their livelihoods.

Uttarakhand’s sudden shift to winter-like conditions in May has highlighted the vulnerability of both tourism and agriculture to extreme weather. With deserted markets, struggling farmers, and disrupted pilgrim travel, the state is facing a crisis that demands swift administrative action and support for affected communities.