Orange alert for 19 dists as UP grapples with 40% rain deficit

Orange Alert Issued for 19 Districts Amid Uttar Pradesh's Rainfall Shortfall

Orange alert for 19 dists as UP - Uttar Pradesh is facing a severe drought situation as the monsoon, which arrived on June 30—12 days later than usual—has not been sufficient to meet expected rainfall levels. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported a 40% deficit across the state, with the eastern regions suffering the most at 50% below normal, while western areas show a smaller shortfall of 20%.

Current Weather Conditions in Lucknow

Wednesday’s rainfall in Lucknow amounted to 18.4 mm, with the city experiencing peak temperatures of 33.6°C and minimum temperatures of 27.4°C. The IMD anticipates a shift toward cloudy skies, potentially leading to overcast conditions and intermittent rain or thunderstorms in the coming 24 hours. Temperatures are projected to stabilize around 31°C and 26°C.

Regional Rainfall Deficit Breakdown

Since June 1, the state has received only 91.8 mm of rain, falling short of the 132.1 mm typically expected. In the eastern part, districts like East UP have recorded 84 mm against a normal of 169.3 mm, while West UP has seen 103 mm compared to its usual 128.1 mm. Notable heavy rainfall in the last 24 hours included 144.4 mm at Rajapur (Chitrakoot), 94 mm at Sahaswan (Badaun), and 72.8 mm at Bansi (Siddharthnagar).

Impact on Districts

Twenty-seven districts are under a large deficit category (60% to 99%), such as Lucknow (61%), Bhadohi (85%), and Chandauli (95%). Another 30 districts are in the deficient range (20% to 59% below normal), including Barabanki (49%) and Aligarh (52%). Meanwhile, 13 districts have received near-normal rainfall, with Chitrakoot at -3% and Agra at +13%.

Orange and Yellow Alerts Issued

On Friday, the IMD has activated an orange alert for 19 districts, signaling a high likelihood of heavy to very heavy rainfall. This includes Shamli, Muzaffarnagar, Meerut, Agra, and others. Additionally, a yellow alert covers over 40 districts, such as Banda, Varanasi, and Gorakhpur, warning of significant rainfall.

Gusty Winds Expected in 18 Districts

The IMD also forecasts strong winds in 18 districts, with speeds reaching 30-40 km/h and gusts up to 50 km/h. Affected areas include Lucknow, Barabanki, Hardoi, and Bijnor, among others. These weather conditions add to the challenges faced by farmers and urban populations.