Lucknow, September 2 (TNA) Lucknow and several parts of Uttar Pradesh have received sustained rainfall over the past 48 hours, leading to waterlogging in low-lying areas, disruption to traffic and renewed concern over lightning and flooding in vulnerable districts.
A well-marked low-pressure area over Gangetic West Bengal and adjoining regions of north coastal Odisha, Jharkhand and the northwest Bay of Bengal has driven the wet spell. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) said the weather system has kept monsoon activity vigorous over parts of Uttar Pradesh, particularly eastern and central districts.
The IMD recorded very heavy rainfall at isolated places over East Uttar Pradesh during the 24 hours ending 8.30 am on September 1. It has forecast heavy rain, thunderstorms and lightning at isolated places across the state over the coming days.
Lucknow remained under a cloudy sky on Tuesday, with spells of rain reported in many areas. The city is likely to see intermittent showers through the day, with moderate rain accompanied by thunderstorms at isolated places, especially from the early morning to noon. Another spell of light rain is likely during the afternoon and evening, according to the IMD forecast.
The weather department has indicated that the rain-bearing conditions may persist until September 6. The state government has asked district administrations in 50 districts to remain alert in view of the forecast for heavy rainfall, thunderstorms and possible lightning strikes.
Districts including Lucknow, Agra, Banda, Chitrakoot, Prayagraj and Varanasi are among the areas where heavy rain is likely. Authorities have flagged the possibility of flash floods in Sonbhadra, Mirzapur, Chandauli, Varanasi and Prayagraj, where intense spells of rain could affect rivers, streams and low-lying settlements.
The prolonged rain may also affect road movement, local train and air travel schedules, besides causing water accumulation in urban pockets. Residents have been advised to avoid standing under trees or near electric poles during thunderstorms, refrain from venturing into waterlogged stretches, and stay away from swollen rivers and drains.
With the monsoon system expected to remain active, officials are likely to keep disaster-response teams and civic agencies on alert, particularly in flood-prone and hilly areas of the state.
What lies ahead
• September 2: Generally cloudy conditions are expected in Lucknow, with widespread light rain and isolated moderate spells accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning.
• Next two days: Central and southern Uttar Pradesh may see episodes of heavy rain and strong winds, with lightning remaining a major hazard.
• Till September 6: IMD forecasts a continued spell of heavy rain in several UP districts, with a heightened risk of flash flooding in parts of eastern Uttar Pradesh.
• Lucknow outlook: Rain or thundershowers are likely to continue, while the city’s temperature is expected to remain around 30°C during the day and 26°C at night.