Weather
The monsoon season has intensified in Uttar Pradesh, and the weather department has issued a significant alert for the coming days. As per the latest updates from the India Meteorological Department (IMD), heavy rainfall accompanied by lightning and thunderstorms is expected across 44 districts of the state. Residents are advised to stay alert and take all necessary precautions as the monsoon activity increases.
Rainfall and Lightning Alert Issued
The IMD has predicted that between July 26 and July 29, several parts of UP will witness moderate to heavy rainfall. Along with the rain, there is a high probability of lightning strikes, especially during the late afternoon and evening hours. These weather conditions may lead to disruptions in daily life and could pose risks to life and property if precautions are not taken.
Districts Under Alert
The following 44 districts have been placed under a yellow or orange alert:
Lucknow, Kanpur, Varanasi, Gorakhpur, Prayagraj, Ayodhya, Bareilly, Moradabad, Rampur, Budaun, Shahjahanpur, Sitapur, Lakhimpur Kheri, Hardoi, Barabanki, Bahraich, Gonda, Balrampur, Siddharthnagar, Basti, Sant Kabir Nagar, Deoria, Kushinagar, Maharajganj, Jaunpur, Ghazipur, Ballia, Azamgarh, Mau, Sultanpur, Rae Bareli, Amethi, Unnao, Fatehpur, Etawah, Kannauj, Mainpuri, Firozabad, Aligarh, Hathras, Mathura, Agra, and Jhansi.
These areas are likely to see rainfall ranging from 30 mm to over 70 mm, with strong wind gusts reaching up to 40-60 km/h.
Safety Precautions for Residents
Authorities have urged people in the affected areas to follow these basic safety tips:
- Avoid standing under trees or near electric poles during lightning.
- Stay indoors as much as possible when heavy rain and thunder are predicted.
- Farmers are advised to postpone fieldwork during peak storm hours.
- Ensure all electronic devices are unplugged during lightning storms.
- People living in low-lying areas should be ready to move to higher ground in case of waterlogging or flash floods.
Impact on Daily Life
Heavy rains could lead to traffic disruptions, waterlogging, and power cuts in urban and semi-urban areas. Rural areas might face issues like damage to standing crops and difficulty in commuting due to muddy or flooded roads.
School and college authorities have been advised to keep track of local weather updates and take decisions accordingly. In some areas, schools may remain closed if rainfall becomes severe.
What Lies Ahead?
The IMD has also mentioned that this spell of active monsoon will gradually weaken after July 29. However, sporadic showers and thunder may continue into early August. The current rainfall is part of a larger monsoon system that is moving across northern India, bringing relief from the heat but also increasing the risk of weather-related hazards.
People living in the affected districts should remain vigilant and stay connected to official updates from the weather department. Timely action and awareness can help prevent accidents and ensure safety during this active monsoon phase in Uttar Pradesh.
