Uttar Pradesh is bracing for another spell of intense monsoon activity, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) sounding a red alert for heavy to very heavy rainfall across the state on Friday. The warning comes after the monsoon system re-strengthened over the region, triggering a fresh burst of downpours in several districts.
Also Read: Check all latest rain alerts here
Alongside the red alert, an orange alert has also been issued for parts of western Uttar Pradesh, signalling the likelihood of intense spells throughout the day. Several other districts, including Lucknow, Kanpur and Meerut, fall under a yellow alert, meaning residents should stay prepared for moderate to heavy showers with possible thunder and gusty winds.
Najibabad Records Highest Rainfall in the State
Western UP and the Terai belt bore the brunt of Thursday's downpour, with Najibabad emerging as the wettest spot in the state. The town recorded a staggering 306 mm of rain, reportedly the third-highest single-day rainfall total logged there since record-keeping began in 1952.
Other areas weren't far behind. Etah received 222 mm of rainfall, Sambhal recorded 204 mm, and Agra logged 146 mm, underlining just how widespread and intense the current spell has been.
Lucknow Weather: Wet Spell Likely to Continue Till July 13
Explaining the weather pattern, senior meteorologist Atul Kumar Singh noted that a rain-bearing system originating over the Bay of Bengal has now moved inland and is currently positioned near Madhya Pradesh. As per his assessment, both western and eastern Uttar Pradesh can expect continued rainfall through July 13, with intensity varying by district.
Lucknow Weather Today
For residents of the state capital, Friday is expected to bring a mostly cloudy sky with chances of heavy rain through the day. The maximum temperature is likely to hover around 33°C, while the minimum is expected to settle near 26°C. Commuters and daily travellers are advised to keep an eye on localised alerts, as sudden intense spells cannot be ruled out.
UP District-Wise Rain Alert: Where to Expect Heavy Rain
According to the IMD's latest bulletin, the following regions are on watch:
Heavy rainfall expected in Maharajganj, Siddharthnagar, Kushinagar, Balrampur, Bahraich, Shravasti, Lakhimpur Kheri, Amroha, Bijnor, Sitapur, Rampur, Moradabad, Pilibhit, Shahjahanpur, Sambhal, Badaun and neighbouring areas.
Yellow alert (moderate to heavy showers) has been sounded for Ballia, Mau, Azamgarh, Deoria, Gorakhpur, Sant Kabir Nagar, Basti, Gonda, Hardoi, Kannauj, Farrukhabad, Kanpur, Unnao, Barabanki, Lucknow, Rae Bareli, Amethi, Sultanpur, Ayodhya, Ambedkar Nagar and surrounding districts.
Residents in these zones are advised to avoid unnecessary travel during peak showers and to stay updated through official IMD advisories.
UP Schools Shut in 9 Districts Amid Heavy Rain Warning
Taking note of the intensifying rain and possible waterlogging, district authorities have ordered schools up to Class XII to remain closed on Friday in nine districts of the state. These include Muzaffarnagar, Meerut, Bulandshahr, Baghpat, Saharanpur, Bijnor, Hapur and Kasganj. The decision was taken as a precautionary measure to ensure the safety of students amid the red and orange alerts in force.
