A fresh UP weather alert has been issued by the India Meteorological Department (IMD) for May 23, 2025. Thunderstorms, heavy rainfall, and gusty winds are expected to sweep through 35 districts across Uttar Pradesh, prompting warnings for several cities.
IMD has also issued a red alert for Lucknow, Varanasi, and Prayagraj, indicating the potential for severe weather and urging residents to take precautions.
35 Districts Under UP Weather Alert Today
The IMD’s latest bulletin has listed the following districts under the UP weather alert: Lucknow, Kanpur, Varanasi, Prayagraj, Ghaziabad, Gautam Buddha Nagar, Bareilly, Ayodhya, Gorakhpur, and more. These areas are likely to experience:
- Thunderstorms with lightning
- Rainfall ranging from 30 to 70 mm
- Wind speeds between 40 to 60 km/h
The department emphasized that visibility may drop in affected regions, increasing the risk of traffic accidents.
Rain and Storm Expected in Lucknow, Varanasi, Prayagraj
Among the affected areas, Lucknow, Varanasi, and Prayagraj face the most severe threats. The capital city, Lucknow, witnessed early morning showers and dark clouds rolling in before noon. Traffic has already slowed due to slippery roads and localized waterlogging in low-lying areas.
In Varanasi, preparations are underway to protect cultural landmarks and Ganga ghats from water damage. Meanwhile, Prayagraj’s district administration has advised schools to close early and warned residents to stay indoors during peak storm hours, expected between 3 PM and 7 PM.
Why the UP Weather Alert Was Issued
The UP weather alert has been issued due to the combined effect of two weather systems. A western disturbance moving across the northern plains is interacting with moist winds from the Bay of Bengal, creating unstable atmospheric conditions.
Meteorologists say these interactions are fueling cloud buildup and sudden changes in temperature and humidity, leading to thunderstorms and heavy downpours.
What the IMD Forecast Says for This Week
According to the IMD, the storm system will likely persist for the next 48 hours, especially in eastern and central Uttar Pradesh. Here is the forecast summary:
- May 23: Thunderstorms and rainfall in 35 districts
- May 24: Residual showers in eastern UP, partly cloudy elsewhere
- May 25: Weather expected to clear across the state
Farmers have also been advised to avoid irrigation and chemical spraying during this period to prevent crop damage.
UP Weather Alert: Safety Measures for Residents
The state government and local authorities have circulated emergency protocols in areas under the UP weather alert. Residents have been advised to:
- Stay indoors during lightning or heavy wind
- Avoid taking shelter under trees
- Charge phones and stock up on essentials
- Keep emergency contact numbers ready
District magistrates in affected regions have also set up control rooms to monitor the situation and respond quickly to emergencies.
Schools, Flights, and Roads Affected by Weather in UP
Several schools in Lucknow, Kanpur, and Prayagraj have declared a half-day, citing safety concerns for schoolchildren. School buses were advised to avoid travel between 2 PM and 6 PM.
Air travel has also been affected. Two flights bound for Delhi from Lucknow’s Chaudhary Charan Singh Airport were delayed due to poor visibility. Road traffic in Kanpur and Ghaziabad slowed down significantly after afternoon rainfall.
Previous Weather Events and Pattern in UP
The UP weather alert follows a pattern seen in recent years. Last May, a similar thunderstorm disrupted power supply and damaged houses in over 20 districts.
Experts suggest that such frequent pre-monsoon storms are signs of changing climate patterns. The unpredictability of summer weather, combined with rising temperatures, is making storm systems more intense.
UP Weather Alert: What’s Next?
With IMD forecasting more rain and thunder over the next 48 hours, people across Uttar Pradesh are advised to remain alert and updated through official channels. The UP weather alert continues to be in effect until the system weakens.
Local disaster response teams, along with police and municipal authorities, remain on standby in the red alert zones.
