KKN Gurugram Desk | The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a Yellow Alert for 73 districts across Uttar Pradesh as moderate rainfall and thunderstorms are expected today. The alert warns of possible lightning strikes, along with scattered to moderate showers. These weather conditions are attributed to the weakening of a low-pressure area over Madhya Pradesh that had been influencing the region’s weather pattern, but now it has dissipated.

Yellow Alert for 73 Districts: Rainfall and Thunderstorms Predicted

The IMD has predicted light to moderate rainfall in most districts, accompanied by the possibility of thunderstorms. A Yellow Alert has been issued for 73 districts, including regions such as Shamli, Muzaffarnagar, Baghpat, Meerut, Amroha, Bareilly, Pilibhit, Jalaun, Jhansi, and Lalitpur. These areas are expected to experience heavy rainfall, along with the risk of thunderstorms and lightning, which could lead to temporary disruptions in daily life.

Heavy Rainfall Warning for Specific Districts

In addition to the Yellow Alert, the IMD has issued an Orange Alert for areas like Saharanpur, Bijnor, Muradabad, and their surrounding areas, where very heavy rainfall is expected. This Orange Alert indicates that the intensity of rainfall will be much higher in these regions, with the potential for localized flooding, traffic disruptions, and damage to infrastructure.

As per the weather reports, Bareilly recorded the highest rainfall in the past 24 hours, with 54 millimeters of rain. Following closely were Rampur’s Vilaspur with 35.6 millimeters and Mainpuri’s Purwali with 35 millimeters of rainfall. Additionally, Kannauj and Gorakhpur saw 32.5 millimeters and 32.4 millimeters of rainfall, respectively.

The Role of Low-Pressure Area and Monsoon Behavior

The monsoon season in Uttar Pradesh has experienced an early onset, but it has now weakened due to the shift in the weather system. The low-pressure area that had been centered over northern Madhya Pradesh had been pulling moist air into Uttar Pradesh, leading to the ongoing rainfall. However, the system has now weakened, causing a dip in the intensity of the rainfall.

This low-pressure system had been pulling moist air from Madhya Pradesh, which resulted in heavy rainfall over some districts close to the state’s borders. Particularly, Lalitpur, located near the Madhya Pradesh boundary, received heavy rainfall on two consecutive days in the past week, as the moisture from Madhya Pradesh continued to affect the region.

What’s Next? Active Monsoon to Return on June 26

According to Atul Kumar Singh, a senior scientist at the Amausi Weather Center, the weakened low-pressure area has now dissipated, but the monsoon is expected to pick up pace again starting June 26. The IMD predicts that the monsoon will become more active across Uttar Pradesh in the coming days, with moderate to heavy rainfall expected in several districts. This will bring relief to the region, especially after the brief lull.

The monsoon revival will be significant as it will restore the flow of moisture into the state, bringing more consistent rainfall. The IMD has warned that heavy rainfall, along with thunderstorms, could continue for the next few days, so people in the affected areas need to remain cautious.

Impact on Agriculture and Daily Life

The rainfall so far has impacted agriculture in several districts. For farmers in areas like Bareilly, Pilibhit, and Mainpuri, the heavy rainfall could potentially lead to waterlogging in fields, which can harm crops. Crops that are sensitive to excess water may suffer damage due to flooding. Farmers are urged to take preventive measures to protect their fields from potential water damage.

In urban areas, particularly in cities like Meerut, Kanpur, and Agra, the rain combined with thunderstorms could cause traffic congestion and localized flooding, especially in low-lying areas. People should avoid traveling during the peak hours of the storm, and ensure proper drainage systems are maintained to avoid flooding.

Thunderstorm and Lightning Risk: Safety Tips

Given the forecast of thunderstorms and lightning in several districts, the IMD has issued a set of safety precautions to protect public safety:

• Stay indoors during the storm and avoid using electrical appliances.

• Do not stand near windows or in open spaces, especially under trees, as lightning strikes can occur unexpectedly.

• If you are traveling, find shelter and wait for the storm to subside before continuing your journey.

• Keep emergency supplies such as flashlights, batteries, and a first aid kit in case of power outages or other emergencies.

• Ensure your home’s drainage system is clear to avoid waterlogging during heavy rainfall.

The IMD has also urged local authorities to stay alert and prepare for possible flooding and infrastructure damage that might result from the heavy rains. It is also important to keep emergency services on standby for rapid responses to any incidents related to the storm.

Forecast for the Upcoming Days

Looking ahead, Uttar Pradesh is expected to experience more consistent and intense monsoon rains from June 26 onwards. As the monsoon revives, it will bring moderate to heavy rainfall across central, western, and southern parts of the state. The IMD forecasts that thunderstorms and lightning will continue to pose risks, and people should remain vigilant for potential disruptions, especially in rural and low-lying urban areas.

In conclusion, the weather in Uttar Pradesh is likely to remain unpredictable in the coming days. While the monsoon season has seen a brief dip, it is expected to strengthen once again, bringing moderate to heavy rainfall to the state. The Yellow and Orange Alerts issued by the IMD signal that thunderstorms, lightning, and rainfall will continue to affect various regions of Uttar Pradesh, so it is crucial for residents to stay informed and take necessary precautions.

Authorities need to ensure that drainage systems are functioning properly and that emergency measures are in place to tackle any flooding or storm damage. By staying prepared, the people of Uttar Pradesh can minimize the risks associated with this erratic weather and continue their daily activities safely.