Uttar Pradesh is bracing for a significant weather shift as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a yellow alert for Sunday. Following days of rain, the state is expected to experience more heavy showers, thunderstorms, and high winds. This unusual weather pattern for March comes as a stark contrast to the prevailing warmth, bringing both relief from the heat and concerns about potential damage and disruption.

The IMD predicts that eastern Uttar Pradesh will bear the brunt of the adverse weather. Districts like Bahraich, Shravasti, Gonda, and Ayodhya are likely to see intense rainfall, possibly accompanied by hailstorms. This could pose a considerable risk to standing crops, potentially impacting the agricultural sector and disrupting daily life for many residents. Authorities are urging caution due to the increased likelihood of waterlogging and traffic snarls.

The state capital, Lucknow, anticipate overcast conditions throughout Sunday, with a chance of light to moderate rain or drizzle in the afternoon. Temperatures are expected to range between 27 to 30 degrees Celsius during the day, with overnight lows between 17 and 22 degrees Celsius. While the rain offers a respite from the heat, the accompanying humidity and strong winds could create uncomfortable conditions for the public.

Several other major cities including Noida, Agra, Kanpur, and Varanasi are also forecast to experience deteriorating weather. Wind speeds could reach between 50 to 60 kilometers per hour, with some areas possibly seeing gusts up to 80 kilometers per hour. The threat of lightning strikes is also a serious concern, prompting the IMD to issue the yellow alert across multiple districts to ensure public safety.

The meteorological department has advised citizens to avoid standing under trees or near weak structures during periods of strong winds and rain. They also recommend staying clear of open fields due to the risk of lightning. The current spell of bad weather is attributed to the receding influence of western disturbances, with a forecast for conditions to improve by March 23rd. Following this, temperatures are expected to rise steadily, potentially reaching 33 degrees Celsius by March 26th.