The weather in Uttar Pradesh is expected to turn turbulent again. According to the Meteorological Department, thunderstorms, lightning, and rain are likely from April 18 to April 20 across many districts of the state. A weather alert has been issued for strong winds and lightning strikes. In response, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has directed all district officials to remain vigilant and ensure timely relief operations.
Senior IMD scientist Atul Kumar Singh stated that the ongoing weather system increases the risk of lightning strikes. Citizens are advised to avoid open areas during rain or storms. If traveling, extreme caution must be exercised. People outdoors should immediately move to permanent shelters during storms or rainfall.
In light of the potential threat of lightning, hailstorms, and strong winds, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has directed all relevant district administrations to remain on high alert. He emphasized swift action in case of emergencies and the need for immediate relief to affected citizens.
As per the Lucknow Meteorological Centre, around 50 districts across eastern and western UP will experience cloudy skies, lightning, rain, and strong winds. Rainfall has already been recorded in districts like Lucknow, Gorakhpur, and Prayagraj, resulting in a slight drop in temperatures.
Districts to Remain on Special Alert:
The following districts are expected to be particularly affected: Varanasi, Mirzapur, Chitrakoot, Kaushambi, Prayagraj, Jaunpur, Bhadohi, Chandauli, Sonbhadra, Banda, Fatehpur, Ghazipur, Deoria, Gorakhpur, Kanpur, Mahoba, Hamirpur, Jhansi, Sambhal, Badaun, Saharanpur, Etawah, Lalitpur, Aligarh, Noida, Ghaziabad, Rampur, Bareilly, Pilibhit, Bahraich, Shravasti, and Lakhimpur Kheri.
Special Thunderstorm & Lightning Alert:
Districts such as Sonbhadra, Chandauli, Varanasi, Ghazipur, Mau, Ballia, Deoria, Gorakhpur, Sant Kabir Nagar, Kushinagar, Basti, Maharajganj, Siddharth Nagar, Gonda, Balrampur, Shravasti, Bahraich, Lakhimpur Kheri, and Sitapur are under special alert for severe thunderstorms and lightning. Residents in these areas are advised to stay alert and take precautions.
Concerns for Farmers:
This sudden weather shift is particularly worrisome for farmers, as harvesting and storage of Rabi crops is in full swing. Heavy rain and winds may cause crop damage or delay in storage, leading to potential losses. The government has urged farmers to cover their produce and stay updated with weather alerts.
Safety Advisory for Citizens:
The IMD and UP Government have appealed to the public to follow these precautions:
The weather in Uttar Pradesh will remain unstable for the next three days, with a high risk of thunderstorms, lightning, and rain. Both the government and weather authorities are on full alert, and citizens—especially farmers—are urged to stay safe, follow precautions, and adhere to official guidelines promptly.