Cyclonic storm Arnab, which is now moving towards Andhra Pradesh and is expected to make landfall on October 28, will result in widespread unseasonal rainfall in most parts of Eastern Uttar Pradesh from October 28 to 30.
The Weatherman has forecast rainfall and inclement weather on October 29 (Thursday) and October 30 (Friday), in Lucknow as a result of the cyclone.
The IMD has issued an orange alert for heavy to very heavy rainfall in several districts on Thursday and Friday, while a yellow alert has been issued for Wednesday. Track the latest updates on Cyclone Arnab here
On October 28 there is a high probability of thunderstorms accompanied by gusty winds in nine districts: Chitrakoot, Prayagraj, Sonbhadra, Mirzapur, Chandauli, Varanasi, Sant Ravidas Nagar, Ghazipur, Ballia, and their surrounding regions.
For October 29 (Thursday), the orange alert means there is a likelihood of heavy to very heavy rainfall in Sonbhadra and surrounding regions.
There is likelihood of heavy to very heavy rainfall in 10 districts: Prayagraj, Pratapgarh, Chitrakoot, Kaushambi, Mirzapur, Sonbhadra, Chandauli, Varanasi, Sant Ravidas Nagar, Jaunpur, and surrounding regions.
On October 30 (Friday), the IMD predicted a high probability of heavy rainfall with an orange alert in eight districts: Deoria, Gorakhpur, Sant Kabir Nagar, Basti, Kushinagar, Maharajganj, Siddharthnagar, Balrampur, and surrounding regions.
Furthermore, there is a high probability of thunderstorms/lightning accompanied by gusty winds (at speeds of 40–50 km/h) in Lucknow, Barabanki and surrounding regions.
There is also a high probability of heavy rainfall (yellow alert) in 11 districts: Azamgarh, Mau, Ballia, Gonda, Shravasti, Bahraich, Lakhimpur Kheri, Sitapur, Barabanki, Ayodhya, Ambedkar Nagar, and surrounding regions.
“Due to the impact of Arnab that has formed in the Bay of Bengal, there is a possibility of unseasonal rain accompanied by strong winds in the region starting from October 28,” said Atul Kumar Singh, a senior scientist at Regional Met Centre, Lucknow.
“Widespread unseasonal rainfall—accompanied by thunderstorms, lightning, and strong gusty winds—is anticipated across the eastern and central regions of the state on October 29–30. Consequently, a significant drop in maximum temperatures, by 5–8°C, is expected,” he added.
UP alert over cyclone
The UP relief commissioner’s office has issued precautionary guidelines for the general public and farmers. In view of the anticipated weather changes, the state government has emphasised relief and rescue preparations, as well as precautionary measures.
The relief commissioner’s office has urged people to follow weather-related warnings and the administration’s instructions. During storms, people have been advised to take shelter in permanent buildings, stay away from trees, electricity poles and weak structures, and avoid unnecessary travel. They have also been advised to avoid open fields, agricultural land and areas near water bodies during lightning.
Farmers have been advised to take necessary precautions to protect their crops and agricultural produce, and to keep their livestock in safe places. People have been urged to check official weather bulletins and alerts on the Sachet app for the latest updates.