Unseasonal Weather: Kedarnath Yet to Receive Its Typical 5–8 Feet of Snow

Kedarnath Sees No Snowfall as Climate Change Raises Alarms.

Kedarnath in Uttarakhand, which normally sees at least five feet of snow by this time of year, has yet to receive any snowfall, sparking concern among environmentalists. The absence of snow has created drought-like conditions, affecting labourers working on Kedarnath’s reconstruction, who can now manage only 3–4 hours of work per day. This year’s pilgrimage was already impacted by extreme weather events, including heavy rainfall, cloudbursts, floods, and landslides.

Experts point to climate change, pollution, deforestation, and unplanned construction as contributing factors. Erratic snowfall, high ground and air temperatures, and insufficient rainfall are causing dry, dusty conditions and worsening air quality in Uttarakhand cities like Dehradun, Rishikesh, and Kashipur.

During the Chardham Yatra this year—which includes Kedarnath, Gangotri, Yamunotri, and Badrinath—over 50 lakh pilgrims visited the region. Kedarnath alone recorded 17.68 lakh devotees since opening on May 2. With the shrine now closed for winter, worship of Baba Kedarnath will continue at his winter residence in Omkareshwar Temple, Ukhimath.