IMD issues Orange Alert for western UP; Lucknow to enjoy mild showers for 48 hours

Breaking the grip of relentless humidity, refreshing monsoon showers have swept through Lucknow, transforming the city's weather overnight. The capital greeted Monday with crisp, clean air and comfortably overcast skies, particularly in areas like Gomti Nagar Extension where morning drizzles washed away the summer grime.

Meteorologists predict continued drizzles and comfortable 27-31°C temperatures in Lucknow for the next 48 hours, offering relief from the stifling heat.

The IMD has raised warnings across the state, issuing an Orange Alert for intense rainfall in Saharanpur, Shamli, Muzaffarnagar and Bijnor, while 10 neighbouring districts remain under yellow alert. Nearly two dozen districts, including Aligarh, Mathura and Meerut, face potential thunderstorms with hazardous lightning. The downpours turned particularly intense in Bundelkhand, where Lalitpur recorded a staggering 78mm, the state's highest, followed closely by Banda's 64.4mm deluge.

According to Atul Kumar Singh, Senior Scientist at Lucknow Meteorological Centre, the weakening low-pressure area over Bay of Bengal will steer monsoon currents northwards, triggering widespread rainfall in eastern UP and Terai regions by Tuesday. While western UP prepares for heavy rains, Lucknow will enjoy pleasant weather with moderate showers.