IMD Issues Severe Weather Alert for Uttar Pradesh: Thunderstorms and Hailstorms Incoming
Waking up to the threat of extreme weather in late May isn’t exactly the news anyone in Uttar Pradesh wants. But that’s the reality now, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) putting out an orange alert for the state. Over 30 districts are directly in the line of fire from May 28 onward, with forecasts predicting a dangerous mix of thunderstorms, hailstorms, squalls, and heavy rain. The alerts underline just how volatile this weather spell might get.
The IMD wasted no time in stressing the seriousness. We're not just talking about some scattered showers. Gusty winds between 40 to 50 kmph could tear through these districts, toppling trees, damaging power lines, and—most worrying for many—ripping through farmlands at the worst possible time for local crops. Rural communities, where a single storm can wipe out weeks of work, are feeling an extra sense of anxiety.
East UP Faces Special Danger—Heavy Rainfall, Lightning, and Soaring Temperatures
While the entire state is braced for impact, East Uttar Pradesh stands out. From May 29-30, this part of the state faces a sharper risk, with the IMD singling it out for potentially fierce thunderstorms and lightning. Lightning strikes can be fatal, and with monsoon season approaching but not quite here yet, the uncertainty around the weather makes everything tenser.
The warning doesn’t stop at thunderstorms. Hailstorms—some of the most destructive weather events for crops—are likely to hit in isolated pockets. For farmers, a hailstorm this time of year can mean massive financial losses. The IMD’s orange alert signals that these are not casual warnings: it’s a call for action and caution.
The weather drama isn’t staying within the borders of Uttar Pradesh, either. Neighboring regions, especially Gangetic West Bengal and the Sub-Himalayan areas, are also poised for heavy rainfall, increasing the risk of flash flooding and travel disruptions.
And if the storms aren’t enough, the heat refuses to let up. Across Uttar Pradesh, temperatures are swinging between 31°C and a searing 44°C. These high temperatures put additional stress on residents, livestock, and anyone exposed to the outdoors. When strong winds and rain roll in on top of soaring heat, power outages and waterlogging could quickly turn into bigger problems.
The IMD recommends everyone—especially those in villages and isolated areas—to keep a close eye on local weather updates. Farmers need to take all possible steps to shield their harvest. For city-dwellers, the risks might be more about uprooted trees and hazardous roads, but the orange alert applies to all.
Anyone living in the affected districts should secure loose objects, avoid sheltering under trees during storms, and have emergency contacts handy. The UP weather alert isn’t just another forecast; it’s a warning that could mean everything for people’s safety and livelihoods this week.
