UP Intense Rain Alert: IMD Predicts 48 Hours of Severe Storms

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a high-impact weather warning for Uttar Pradesh, predicting severe thunderstorms, heavy rainfall, and gusty winds across the state over the next 48 hours. Residents in nearly 50 districts, including Lucknow, Varanasi, and Meerut, have been urged to stay alert as the intense weather could trigger flooding, power outages, and travel chaos.

Multi-Hazard Warning for 10th & 11th April, 2025

मल्टी-हज़ार्ड वॉर्निंग 10 और 11 अप्रैल, 2025 के लिए#imd #WeatherUpdate #mausam #thunderstorm #rainfall #hailstorm #heatwave #duststorm@moesgoi @ndmaindia @DDNational @airnewsalerts pic.twitter.com/l2JcWAFVkp

— India Meteorological Department (@Indiametdept) April 10, 2025

IMD’s Red Alert: Districts on High Risk

The IMD’s bulletin highlights three key zones under threat:

• Eastern UP: Prayagraj, Gorakhpur, Ayodhya

• Central UP: Lucknow, Kanpur, Rae Bareli

• Western UP: Meerut, Ghaziabad, Saharanpur

“Expect thunderstorms with lightning and winds gusting up to 50-60 kmph,” warned an IMD spokesperson. “Isolated areas may receive over 150 mm of rain, raising flash flood risks in low-lying regions.”

Potential Risks: From Travel Chaos to Crop Damage

• Transport Disruptions: Waterlogging and poor visibility could derail road and rail services. The Lucknow Metro has issued contingency plans for commuters.

• Power Outages: Lightning strikes threaten electricity infrastructure, with utilities like UPPCL deploying emergency teams.

• Agriculture Threats: Farmers fear damage to wheat and mustard crops. “Heavy rains now could ruin harvests,” said Amrish Patel, a Barabanki-based farmer.

Safety Advisory: What Residents Must Do

Authorities have issued guidelines to minimize risks:

1. Avoid open fields, waterlogged areas, and unstable structures during storms.

2. Follow real-time alerts via the IMD website or state disaster management portals.

3. Keep emergency kits with torches, batteries, and first-aid supplies.

Why Is Uttar Pradesh Facing Extreme Weather?

The IMD attributes the severe conditions to a collision between a western disturbance and moisture-laden winds from the Bay of Bengal. This unstable interaction is common in pre-monsoon months but has intensified due to shifting climate patterns. For context, similar conditions caused widespread flooding in Bihar in 2023.

With disaster response teams on standby and district administrations coordinating relief efforts, Uttar Pradesh’s preparedness is under scrutiny. As IMD scientist Dr. Rajesh Kapoor noted, “This isn’t just rain—it’s a test of resilience.” Residents are advised to prioritize safety and stay updated via official channels like the IMD Twitter handle.