Dehradun: An unusual spike in humidity is making May feel more like peak monsoon season across parts of Uttarakhand, with Dehradun bearing the brunt of the sultry weather. Experts say this early onset of humidity, typically seen in July and Aug, could signal deeper shifts in regional climate patterns.On Wednesday, Dehradun recorded a relative humidity of 82%, causing the actual temperature of around 34°C to feel well above 40°C due to the elevated heat index. The heat index, which factors in humidity to measure how hot it feels, pushed discomfort levels to a seasonal high, especially during the afternoon.Other parts of the state also experienced muggy conditions, with humidity levels hovering around 62% in Pantnagar and 78% in Mukteshwar, contributing to widespread discomfort in both the plains and the hills.“This level of humidity in May used to be rare,” said a senior official at the regional meteorological centre, adding, “But over the past few years, we’ve observed a consistent pattern of early moisture build-up, likely due to shifting wind patterns and premature incursions of moisture from the Bay of Bengal and the Arabian Sea.”Bikram Singh, director of the regional meteorological centre, said that similar weather is expected to persist in the coming days. “The high humidity levels will continue, further adding to the discomfort,” he added.The met department has advised people to stay hydrated, avoid direct sunlight during peak hours, and take extra precautions, especially for the elderly and children.
