Orange Alert issued in Lucknow, thunderstorms to lash UP from July 16

Lucknow and several parts of Uttar Pradesh are in for a wet week ahead. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an Orange Alert for heavy to very heavy rainfall in eastern UP, covering districts like Varanasi, Gorakhpur, and Prayagraj. Starting July 16, the state capital is expected to receive moderate to heavy showers, with rainfall intensity likely to rise through the week.

Thunderstorms and lightning are likely in multiple districts, including Lucknow, Barabanki, Rae Bareli, and Unnao. Eastern UP districts like Sonbhadra, Mirzapur, and Azamgarh may witness very heavy rainfall on Wednesday.

The monsoon surge, fuelled by a low-pressure system over the Bay of Bengal, is set to drench Uttar Pradesh with rain until July 21, with the heaviest showers likely between July 17 and 18. While July 19 may bring a short break, wet conditions will return soon after. Residents are advised to stay alert for possible waterlogging, traffic snarls, and weather-related disruptions.