IMD Warns of Heavy Rains, Storms in 17 States: UP, Bihar on High Alert

IMD has issued a high alert for 17 states, including Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, forecasting heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, and gusty winds, triggered bya low-pressure system over the Bay of Bengal and an active monsoon trough, this weather event is expected to bring significant disruptions across northern, eastern, and central India. With Uttar Pradesh and Bihar already facing challenges from unseasonal rains, the forecast has prompted authorities to mobilize disaster response teams and issue advisories to residents. From potential waterlogging in urban areas to risks of crop damage in rural regions, the coming days demand vigilance. This article explores the weather patterns and their implications for the affected states.

Weather Patterns and Affected Regions

The IMD’s forecast points to a robust monsoon system driving the extreme weather across 17 states, including Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, West Bengal, Odisha, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Rajasthan, Haryana, Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Assam, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Manipur, and Delhi. The low-pressure area in the Bay of Bengal, coupled with a cyclonic circulation over eastern India, is intensifying rainfall, with some areas expected to receive 10-20 cm of rain daily through June 10. Thunderstorms with lightning and winds gusting up to 50-60 kmph are likely, particularly in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, where low-lying areas face heightened flood risks.

IMD warns of Heavy Rains

In Uttar Pradesh, districts like Lucknow, Varanasi, and Gorakhpur are on alert, with the state government deploying NDRF teams to vulnerable zones. Bihar, already grappling with waterlogging in Patna and Bhagalpur, has issued warnings for rivers like the Ganga and Kosi, which may swell due to heavy rains. Eastern states like Odisha and West Bengal are bracing for coastal impacts, while northern states like Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand face risks of landslides in hilly areas. The IMD has advised against outdoor activities during peak storm hours and urged farmers to protect crops from waterlogging. Urban centers, particularly Delhi, are preparing for traffic disruptions and drainage challenges, with civic bodies tasked with clearing blocked sewers to mitigate flooding.

Preparedness and Public Safety Measures

The forecast has spurred a multi-state response to minimize damage and ensure public safety. State governments are coordinating with the IMD and disaster management authorities to issue timely advisories. In Uttar Pradesh, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has directed district officials to monitor water levels and evacuate residents from flood-prone areas. Bihar’s disaster management department is setting up relief camps and distributing essentials like food and tarpaulins. Schools in several districts have been ordered to close temporarily, and fishermen in coastal states have been warned against venturing into the sea.