Overnight rain, storms lash Lucknow & Kanpur; UP on alert for next 48 hours

Uttar Pradesh saw a sudden weather shift late Wednesday night as heavy rain and dust storms hit Lucknow, Kanpur, and nearby districts. While the downpour brought relief from the heat, it also caused damage, uprooting trees, disrupting power in parts of Awadh, and damaging crops due to hailstorms. Lucknow, Kanpur, and eastern UP are on alert for thunderstorms, strong winds, and possible hail over the next 48 hours.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) recorded over 14 mm of rain in just 45 minutes in Kanpur and Bundelkhand, driven by moist winds from the Arabian Sea. Pre-monsoon activity is expected to continue till May 30, with chances of thunderstorms, strong winds, and hail especially in eastern UP districts like Basti, Bahraich, and Lakhimpur Kheri. An orange alert for hailstorms and a warning for gusty winds in 39 districts have been issued.

While Bundelkhand continues to sizzle under intense heat, with temperatures soaring past 45°C in places like Banda and Jhansi, the Terai belt-covering Gorakhpur, Maharajganj, and nearby areas witnessed light showers and thunder.

Over the next 48 hours, Lucknow and Kanpur may see thunderstorms with gusty winds, while eastern UP remains on high alert for heavy rain and hail. The IMD has urged caution, especially in hail-prone areas, as fluctuating weather and high humidity continue to impact the region.