New Delhi: A spell of intensified rainfall is set to return to several parts of the country. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an alert for heavy to very heavy rainfall across 11 states, including Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand, for September 26. During this period, thunderstorms accompanied by strong winds are expected in many areas; wind speeds could reach between 50 and 80 kmph. Heavy rains and strong winds may lead to waterlogging and flood-like conditions in low-lying areas, while the risk of landslides could increase in hilly regions.
Rainfall alert for several states, including UP and MP
According to the Meteorological Department, a depression situated over southern Chhattisgarh and the adjoining southern interior of Odisha is moving in a north-north-westerly direction. It is likely to retain its intensity as a depression for the next 12 hours before weakening into a low-pressure area. The IMD has forecast rainfall ranging from light to heavy across Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha, West Bengal, Sikkim, Haryana, and Delhi. Residents are advised to check the weather update before stepping out.
What will the weather be like in the capital, Delhi, today?
Cloudy skies and light to moderate rainfall are expected in various parts of the national capital, Delhi, on September 26. There is also a risk of lightning strikes. According to the IMD, strong winds blowing at speeds of 30 to 50 kmph are likely in Delhi. An alert for thunderstorms and rain has also been issued for September 27, and the rainy spell is expected to continue on September 28. Consequently, it would be wise for Delhi residents to carry umbrellas and raincoats when heading out today.
Torrential rain alert for UP today
Rain is already occurring in several districts of Uttar Pradesh, including Lucknow, Kanpur, and Unnao. The IMD has issued an alert for heavy to very heavy rainfall in the eastern and western parts of the state on September 26. Thunderstorms accompanied by gusty winds are also likely during this period. This spell of rain in UP is expected to continue until September 30. Rainfall is likely in western UP from September 27 to 29 and in eastern UP from September 27 to 30.
Directives to the administration in these UP districts
In view of the ‘Orange Alert’ issued for several areas—including Banda, Chitrakoot, Kaushambi, Prayagraj, Fatehpur, Pratapgarh, Sant Kabir Nagar, Maharajganj, Lakhimpur Kheri, Sitapur, Raebareli, Amethi, Sultanpur, Ayodhya, Ambedkar Nagar, Basti, Siddharthnagar, Gonda, Balrampur, Hardoi, Lucknow, Barabanki, Bijnor, Amroha, Moradabad, Sambhal, and Budaun—the administration has been instructed to remain alert and active.
Additionally, a risk of flash floods has been identified in certain watershed areas across districts including Azamgarh, Ballia, Ghazipur, Mau, Maharajganj, Kushinagar, Deoria, Gorakhpur, Sant Kabir Nagar, Siddharthnagar, Basti, Balrampur, Ambedkar Nagar, Pratapgarh, Sultanpur, Ayodhya, Gonda, Shravasti, Sitapur, Lakhimpur Kheri, Bahraich, Hardoi, Lucknow, Unnao, Raebareli, Barabanki, Amethi, Fatehpur, Kanpur Nagar, Banda, Kaushambi, and Chitrakoot. Given the possibility of flash floods, safety and relief agencies have been asked to remain prepared for immediate action if required.
Rain alert for Bihar and Uttarakhand as well
Rain accompanied by thunderstorms is likely in Bihar on September 26. Strong winds blowing at speeds of around 60 kmph are also expected during this time. According to the IMD, the spell of rain in Bihar may continue from September 27 to October 1. A heavy rain alert has been issued for several districts in Uttarakhand, including Dehradun, Pithoragarh, and Nainital, for September 26. According to the Meteorological Department, this spell of rain in the state is likely to continue until September 28. There is also a persistent risk of landslides in hilly areas due to the heavy rainfall; therefore, travelers on mountain roads need to exercise extra caution.
Heavy Rain Spell in Madhya Pradesh
Isolated areas in the eastern parts of Madhya Pradesh may experience very heavy rainfall on September 26. According to the IMD, heavy rain is likely at several locations in eastern Madhya Pradesh between September 25 and 27. There is little chance of relief from the rain even after this period; rainfall is expected in eastern Madhya Pradesh from September 28 to October 1. Meanwhile, rain is also likely in western Madhya Pradesh on September 29 and 30.
Heavy Rain and Strong Winds in Jharkhand
The impact of rain and strong winds is also being observed in Jharkhand. The IMD has issued an ‘Orange Alert’ for very heavy rainfall in Lohardaga, Latehar, Gumla, and Simdega districts, valid until 8:30 AM on Saturday. A ‘Yellow Alert’ for heavy rainfall has also been issued for 14 other districts in the state for the same period. Additionally, the Meteorological Department has issued a flash flood alert for East Singhbhum, Seraikela-Kharsawan, and West Singhbhum.
Likely Deterioration of Weather in Other States
Due to the influence of a depression, rainfall is also expected in Chhattisgarh, Odisha, West Bengal, and Sikkim. Thunderstorms and strong winds may occur in several places. There is a risk of waterlogging in low-lying areas and potential flood-like situations in some regions. Overall, the weather is expected to remain inclement across several states in the country on September 26. People living in Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, and Jharkhand, in particular, need to exercise caution regarding rain, strong winds, lightning strikes, and waterlogging.
