Weather
As monsoon activity intensifies across North India, the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a significant weather alert for Uttar Pradesh. On Sunday, a rainfall warning has been announced for nearly 30 districts across the state, with a special advisory for regions close to the Uttarakhand border where heavy to very heavy rainfall is expected.
Widespread Rainfall Predicted
According to the IMD, various parts of Uttar Pradesh are likely to experience light to moderate rainfall throughout the day. The monsoon trough has become more active over the region, resulting in favorable conditions for continuous rain. This will bring much-needed relief from the humid heat but may also cause localized flooding in low-lying areas.
Districts Under Rain Alert
Some of the key districts where rain has been forecast include:
- Saharanpur
- Bijnor
- Muzaffarnagar
- Moradabad
- Bareilly
- Pilibhit
- Rampur
- Lakhimpur Kheri
- Sitapur
- Bahraich
- Shrawasti
- Balrampur
- Barabanki
- Gorakhpur
- Basti
- Siddharthnagar
- Gonda
- Lucknow
- Ayodhya
- Prayagraj
- Varanasi
- Mirzapur
- Sonbhadra
- Jaunpur
- Ghazipur
- Ballia
- Deoria
- Maharajganj
- Kushinagar
- and adjoining regions.
Many of these districts are expected to receive 30–70 mm of rainfall in the next 24 hours.
Red Alert for Uttarakhand Border Regions
Special attention has been given to districts like Pithoragarh, Champawat, and Nainital in neighboring Uttarakhand, which border parts of Uttar Pradesh. These areas have received a red alert due to the possibility of very heavy to extremely heavy rainfall. Residents living in foothill regions like Lakhimpur Kheri, Pilibhit, and Bahraich should remain alert, as these areas may also face rising river water levels.
Safety Measures for Residents
Authorities have advised people in the affected districts to:
- Avoid unnecessary travel during intense rainfall
- Stay away from overflowing rivers and drains
- Keep emergency kits and mobile phones ready
- Follow local administration instructions closely
Impact on Daily Life
While the rain will offer a break from the scorching summer heat, it could also lead to waterlogging, traffic disruptions, and potential crop damage in rural areas. Schools and government offices in high-alert districts may adjust timings or close temporarily depending on the weather conditions.
Residents are advised to stay tuned to local weather updates and alerts issued by the authorities. With the monsoon picking up pace, preparedness is key to staying safe during this rainy spell.
Risk of Flooding and Landslides
Districts bordering the Terai and Himalayan foothills such as Lakhimpur Kheri, Pilibhit, Bahraich, and Balrampur face a dual threat. These areas are prone to sudden increases in river water levels due to heavy rain upstream in Uttarakhand. In extreme cases, this can lead to flash floods or overflowing rivers like the Sharda, Ghaghra, and Rapti. Hilly areas in Uttarakhand, such as Nainital and Pithoragarh, may also experience landslides due to saturated soil and continuous rain. People living in low-lying or landslide-prone areas have been advised to relocate temporarily if necessary.
