Authorities in Dehradun, Uttarakhand, have issued an orange alert for Char Dham pilgrims and tourists, advising them to exercise caution during their journeys on May 12 and 13. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasts light to moderate rain, thunderstorms, and snowfall in high-altitude areas, with gusty winds reaching speeds of 40-50 km/h. Garhwal Commissioner Vinay Shankar Pandey emphasized the importance of staying updated with weather reports and suggested that pilgrims consider delaying their travel until conditions improve. Recent data indicates that maximum temperatures in the hills have been significantly below normal. The Char Dham Yatra, which attracts thousands of devotees to the Himalayan shrines, began last month for the 2026 season. The state government is ensuring that necessary safety arrangements are in place to facilitate a smooth pilgrimage.