Heavy rains forecast in Uttar Pradesh as IMD issues orange alert

Monsoon activity is expected to become stronger in many parts of Uttar Pradesh in the next 48 hours. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has said the reason for this is a low-pressure area that has developed over the Bay of Bengal. This system has shifted the eastern end of the monsoon trough further south, allowing more moisture and rain-bearing clouds to move into the state.

According to the IMD, this change will bring widespread light to moderate rain to most districts, along with isolated heavy to very heavy showers in some places. Several northern districts are under an orange alert, meaning people should be prepared for intense rainfall and possible flooding in low-lying areas.

Orange alert for northern districts

The weather department has placed the following districts under an orange alert due to the expectation of heavy rains:

• Bareilly

• Pilibhit

• Shahjahanpur

• Lakhimpur

• Sitapur

• Bahraich

• Shravasti

• Gonda

• Balrampur

• Siddharthnagar

• Maharajganj

In addition to these areas, the IMD has forecast that most parts of western Uttar Pradesh will receive rain or thundershowers on Wednesday and Thursday. Some parts of eastern Uttar Pradesh will also get showers during this period. The rainfall is expected to reduce in both intensity and spread after August 15.

The IMD has also warned that thunderstorms with lightning could occur at isolated locations, so residents are advised to take safety precautions. Farmers in affected districts have been asked to avoid working in open fields during lightning activity.

Relief from the heat

The rain that fell on Wednesday has already provided relief from the hot and humid weather in several areas of the state. In the capital city of Lucknow, the maximum temperature dropped to 33.4°C, while the minimum temperature was 28.2°C. The city also recorded 0.2 mm of rainfall.

Some districts recorded higher rainfall totals. Agra topped the list with 14.4 mm, followed by Orai with 12.4 mm, Varanasi with 10.2 mm, and Basti with 10 mm. These showers brought down daytime temperatures and made conditions more comfortable for residents.

Rainfall this monsoon season

So far this season, from the start of the monsoon until August 12, Uttar Pradesh has received 496.2 mm of rain. This is 8 per cent more than the normal rainfall of 459.3 mm for the same period.

Breaking it down region-wise:

• Eastern districts have received 468.3 mm of rain, which is about 4 per cent below their normal average.

• Western districts have received 536.1 mm, which is 28 per cent more than their usual average, showing a significant surplus.

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Flood situation in the state

Even though the rains have helped reduce the heat, they have also worsened flood conditions in some areas. According to state government officials, 41 tehsils in 21 districts are currently affected by floods. These floods have impacted about 1.86 lakh people.

The government has taken measures to help those affected. More than 1,100 flood outposts have been set up to provide assistance. Relief workers are distributing food, water, and other supplies to flood-hit families. The administration is also monitoring water levels in rivers to prepare for any further rise.

With heavy rainfall expected over the next two days, residents in the alert zones should remain cautious. People are advised to avoid unnecessary travel, stay away from flooded areas, and keep emergency supplies ready. The IMD will continue to issue updates as the weather situation changes.

While the rains are vital for agriculture and groundwater recharge, the associated risks of flooding, landslides in hilly regions, and lightning strikes require careful preparation. Authorities are urging everyone to follow weather advisories and cooperate with local officials to ensure safety.