Uttar Pradesh is gripped by ominous weather patterns as thick black clouds blanket much of the state, offering little hope for quick respite. Lucknow’s IMD forecasts a turbulent Saturday with heavy rains, lightning strikes, and gusty winds battering numerous districts, potentially paralyzing normal activities.
High-risk zones span Azamgarh, Mau, Ballia, Deoria, Gorakhpur, Sant Kabir Nagar, Basti, Kushinagar, Maharajganj, Siddharthnagar, Gonda, Balrampur, Shravasti, and Ambedkar Nagar, where intense precipitation is likely. The eastern Purvanchal and Terai regions could see repeated lightning flashes, roaring thunder, and rapid cloud movements, heightening public safety alarms.
Prior red alerts targeted Raebareli, Amethi, Sultanpur, Ambedkar Nagar, Ayodhya, Basti, Unnao, Lucknow, Barabanki, and Gonda for ferocious storms packing hail and 50-60 km/h winds. Vulnerabilities include electricity disruptions, harm to agriculture, and damage to makeshift shelters.
Orange alerts are active for Mirzapur, Prayagraj, Bhadohi, Varanasi, Jaunpur, Pratapgarh, Azamgarh, Sant Kabir Nagar, Hardoi, Sitapur, Bahraich, Siddharthnagar, Balrampur, Shravasti, Shahjahanpur, Lakhimpur Kheri, and Pilibhit, anticipating thunderous rains with 40-60 km/h gusts and lightning.
Erratic weather has triggered uneven temperature shifts across UP. A marginal 1-2°C increase marks mid and eastern UP including Lucknow, contrasting with up to 5°C drops in northwest districts from ongoing rains. District officials remain vigilant, geared up for swift crisis management to safeguard residents.