Gaurav TalwarDehradun: Heatwave-like conditions intensified across Uttarakhand on Sunday, with Dehradun recording its highest temperature of the season so far. In view of the prevailing heat, district administration ordered the closure of all schools from Classes 1 to 12 and anganwadi centers on Monday.The decision followed an IMD warning, with authorities citing concerns over heat-related illnesses such as heatstroke and dehydration. Officials were directed to ensure compliance across educational institutions.The impact was felt across both plains and hill regions, pointing to a broader rise in temperatures across elevations. According to Regional Meteorological Centre, the maximum temperature in Dehradun touched 39.2°C on Sunday, nearly five degrees above normal.“Temperatures have been hovering above 38°C over the past few days, and the plains in Kumaon are also reeling under the heat,” an official at the center said, adding that such conditions are unusual for this time of year.The plains continued to bear the brunt, with Roorkee recording the highest maximum temperature in the state at 41°C. Pantnagar also remained under intense heat, with temperatures hovering around 40°C on both Saturday and Sunday, indicating sustained high temperatures over consecutive days.Even hill regions reported higher-than-usual temperatures. Mukteshwar in Nainital district recorded a maximum of nearly 29°C, reflecting a wider warming trend beyond the plains and into higher altitudes.Meteorologists attributed the spike to clear skies, prolonged dry conditions and the absence of active western disturbances, which usually bring cloud cover or rainfall and help moderate temperatures. Increased solar radiation and heat accumulation intensified the situation, officials said.However, some relief is likely in the coming days. Regional Meteorological Center has forecast a change in weather from April 28, with rain and thunderstorm activity expected in several parts of the state.An orange alert has been issued for April 28 for districts including Nainital, Uttarkashi, Rudraprayag, Chamoli, Bageshwar and Pithoragarh, warning of thunderstorms accompanied by lightning, hail, intense rainfall and gusty winds of 40 to 50kmph. A similar alert has been issued for April 29, extending to additional districts such as Dehradun and Tehri, indicating that the weather system may have a wider impact.Officials said the expected rainfall and storm activity could bring down temperatures and provide temporary relief from the prevailing heat conditions.
