‘Cyclone Arnab’ alters weather across Uttar Pradesh, rain alert issued in all 75 districts
Lucknow, October 29: The impact of Cyclone Arnab has significantly changed weather conditions across Uttar Pradesh, with rainfall, thunderstorms, and strong winds affecting several districts on Thursday. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an alert for rain and thunderstorms in all 75 districts of the state, warning of widespread rainfall and gusty winds over the next few hours.
The cyclone’s influence was visible from eastern Uttar Pradesh to western regions, including Lucknow, Gorakhpur, Varanasi, Ayodhya, Meerut, and surrounding areas. Many districts witnessed moderate to heavy rainfall accompanied by strong winds, leading to a drop in temperatures and an increase in the chill factor. Residents experienced cloudy skies throughout the day, while intermittent showers brought relief from warmer conditions.
According to Atul Kumar Singh, Senior Scientist at the Meteorological Centre in Lucknow, around six districts in the Terai belt are likely to receive extremely heavy rainfall, while 13 districts of eastern Uttar Pradesh may witness heavy rain. In western Uttar Pradesh, hailstorm activity is expected in nine districts. Additionally, nearly 50 districts may experience thunderstorms and strong winds with speeds reaching up to 50 kmph.
Rainfall was reported in several eastern districts, including Varanasi, Gorakhpur, and Ayodhya, while districts in the Vindhya region such as Sonbhadra and Mirzapur also received showers. In Meerut, residents woke up to foggy and chilly weather conditions. Light rain was also recorded in the state capital, Lucknow, as clouds continued to dominate the sky throughout the day.
Meteorologists have stated that moisture associated with the cyclone is moving northward, resulting in light to moderate rainfall across Mirzapur, Varanasi, Sonbhadra, Ghazipur, Chandauli and nearby districts. The combination of rain-bearing clouds and moist easterly winds is expected to reduce daytime temperatures by 3 to 5 degrees Celsius, further intensifying the mild cold conditions across the state.
Authorities have advised residents to remain cautious during thunderstorms, strong winds, and heavy rain spells, particularly in vulnerable areas prone to waterlogging and weather-related disruptions. As Cyclone Arnab continues to influence regional weather patterns, the IMD is closely monitoring the situation and has urged people to follow official advisories.
