Monsoon Returns To Uttar Pradesh With Heavy Rain Alerts

Monsoon is making a strong return to Uttar Pradesh towards the end of September. The Meteorological Centre in Lucknow released a forecast stating that rain, thunder, lightning, and strong winds will hit most districts across the state from September 24 to 27. Wind speeds are expected to range from 40 to 60 kilometres per hour, and authorities have warned residents about waterlogging in low-lying areas.

Regional Forecast And Alerts

Rain is expected in parts of eastern Uttar Pradesh and many areas of western Uttar Pradesh on September 23 and 24. The impact will spread across the entire state from September 25 to 27, bringing rain to almost all places along with surface winds blowing at 30 to 40 kilometres per hour. The weather department issued heavy to very heavy rain alerts for Banda, Chitrakoot, Kaushambi, Prayagraj, Fatehpur, Pratapgarh, Rae Bareli, and Amethi on September 25. Heavy rain and stormy winds reaching up to 60 kilometres per hour are also expected in Lucknow, Kanpur, Varanasi, Gorakhpur, Jaunpur, Ghazipur, Sitapur, Hardoi, Gonda, and nearby areas.

Impact On Crops And Safety

Agricultural experts warned that heavy rain and storms could damage crops like sugarcane, kharif maize, paddy, papaya, and banana. Farmers have been advised to clean drainage channels in their fields, stop irrigation during high winds, and provide support to crops. The public has been advised to avoid taking shelter under trees during lightning, stay away from weak houses and waterlogged areas, and use the 'Damini' and 'Mausam' apps when needed. Meanwhile, a tragic incident occurred in Sitapur at the Punjabi Dhamshala where a balcony roof collapsed after rainwater collected in a plastic sheet tied to it. One woman devotee died and eight others sustained serious injuries in the accident. Locals helped pull the injured out from the debris and sent them to a hospital. The District Magistrate and Superintendent of Police visited the site to inspect rescue operations and ordered an inquiry into the accident.