KKN Gurugram Desk | The weather in Uttar Pradesh has taken a severe turn. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a yellow alert for rain accompanied by lightning in 51 districts of the state today. The alert follows a deadly spell of thunderstorms and lightning strikes on Sunday that claimed the lives of 25 people across various regions of UP.

The alert is part of an evolving weather pattern as pre-monsoon activity intensifies across the state. According to IMD officials, monsoon is expected to enter Uttar Pradesh between June 17 and June 20, with current conditions deemed favorable for its progression from eastern UP.

Widespread Lightning Risk Across 51 Districts Today

The regional meteorological center based in Amausi, Lucknow, reported that atmospheric instability and cyclonic circulation in the lower troposphere over eastern Uttar Pradesh are contributing to increased thunderstorm activity. A list of affected districts has been issued where residents are advised to stay indoors and avoid open spaces during inclement weather.

Districts under Yellow Alert Today Include:

Banda, Chitrakoot, Kaushambi, Prayagraj, Fatehpur, Pratapgarh, Sonbhadra, Mirzapur, Bhadohi (Sant Ravidas Nagar), Hardoi, Farrukhabad, Kannauj, Kanpur Dehat, Kanpur Nagar, Unnao, Lucknow, Barabanki, Raebareli, Amethi, Saharanpur, Shamli, Muzaffarnagar, Baghpat, Meerut, Ghaziabad, Hapur, Gautam Buddh Nagar, Bulandshahr, Aligarh, Mathura, Hathras, Kasganj, Etah, Agra, Firozabad, Mainpuri, Etawah, Auraiya, Bijnor, Amroha, Moradabad, Rampur, Bareilly, Pilibhit, Sambhal, Budaun, Jalaun, Hamirpur, Mahoba, Jhansi, and Lalitpur.

Monsoon Onset Likely from June 17: What IMD Says

According to Atul Kumar Singh, senior scientist at the weather headquarters, monsoon activity is strengthening and is expected to pick up significantly from June 18 onward, bringing heavy rainfall to several parts of UP.

He explained that the northern limit of the southwest monsoon currently passes through Mumbai, Ahilyanagar, Adilabad, Puri, and Balurghat. Favorable weather systems are developing that will allow the monsoon to advance over Gujarat, Vidarbha, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, and eastern Uttar Pradesh within the next 3–4 days.

Historically, June 18 is the average date for the monsoon’s arrival in UP through Gorakhpur. With scattered pre-monsoon showers already reducing daytime temperatures and limiting heatwave conditions to pockets of southeastern UP (especially around Varanasi and Ghazipur), the onset of full-fledged monsoon rains appears imminent.

Sunday’s Storms Claim 25 Lives Across UP

Tragedy struck the state on Sunday as strong winds, thunderstorms, and lightning wreaked havoc across multiple districts. Preliminary reports confirm 25 fatalities due to weather-related incidents, including lightning strikes and falling trees or structures.

These deaths have triggered urgent action at the government level.

CM Yogi Adityanath Orders Immediate Relief Operations

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has directed officials across all affected districts to initiate emergency relief and compensation efforts. In a statement issued by the Chief Minister’s Office, Yogi emphasized the need for on-ground surveys, prompt distribution of relief funds, and medical assistance for the injured.

Key Instructions from CM Yogi Adityanath:

• Conduct immediate assessment of casualties, both human and livestock.

• Distribute financial compensation to families of the deceased and injured as per disaster relief norms.

• Ensure proper medical treatment for all injured persons.

• Survey crop damage and report findings to the state government for further action.

• Implement urgent water drainage measures in flood-prone or water-logged urban areas.

The CM’s proactive response aims to prevent further loss of life and ensure that the state machinery is fully prepared for the upcoming monsoon season.

Pre-Monsoon Rain Brings Temperature Relief

The pre-monsoon showers witnessed over the past 24 hours have led to a drop in daytime temperatures, bringing much-needed relief to residents grappling with weeks of intense heat.

While the heatwave conditions have subsided in most parts of the state, IMD has noted that southeastern districts — including Varanasi and Ghazipur — may continue to experience high temperatures until the monsoon fully sets in.

Precautions for Residents: Lightning and Storm Safety Tips

As the risk of lightning and thunderstorms remains high across Uttar Pradesh today, authorities have urged the public to follow safety guidelines:

• Avoid standing under trees or in open fields during thunderstorms.

• Refrain from using electrical appliances and mobile phones during lightning.

• Stay indoors and keep away from windows and doors.

• Farmers and workers in open areas should take shelter as soon as the sky darkens or thunder is heard.

With a yellow alert in place across 51 districts, and monsoon expected to arrive by mid-week, Uttar Pradesh is entering a crucial phase of seasonal transition. While the rainfall is expected to bring relief from heat, the associated risks — especially lightning — pose serious threats to life and property.

Authorities, meteorologists, and the public must remain vigilant as the monsoon progresses across the region in the coming days.