2 min readLucknowUpdated: Mar 30, 2026 03:52 PM IST
The IMD has issued yellow and orange alerts for 46 districts in Uttar Pradesh, warning of thunderstorms, hailstorms, and gusty winds reaching 60 kmph on March 30 and 31. (File/Representational)
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued yellow and orange alerts across Uttar Pradesh for March 30 and 31, warning of thunderstorms, lightning, gusty winds of 30-60 kmph and possible hailstorm activity in several districts.
The Met Department said the ongoing western disturbance will keep rain and thunderstorm activity active till March 31, leading to a drop in maximum temperatures by 3-5°C.
From April 1 onwards, rainfall is expected to ease, with temperatures rising again by 2-4°C.
Districts under orange alert:
Largely districts of Western Uttar Pradesh including Saharanpur, Shamli, Muzaffarnagar, Baghpat, Meerut, Bijnor, Amroha, Moradabad, Rampur, Bareilly, Sambhal, Badaun, Mathura, Hathras, Agra, Firozabad, Etah and Kasganj.
Forecast: Experts said these districts are likely to witness moderate thunderstorms with strong winds up to 60 kmph, with hail storms possible at isolated places.
Districts under yellow alert:
A yellow alert has been issued for districts such as Lucknow, Barabanki, Sitapur, Hardoi, Lakhimpur Kheri, Bahraich, Shravasti, Gonda, Balrampur, Shahjahanpur, Pilibhit, Farrukhabad, Kannauj, Kanpur Dehat, Kanpur Nagar, Unnao, Rae Bareli, Ghaziabad, Gautam Buddha Nagar, Hapur, Bulandshahr, Aligarh, Mainpuri, Etawah and Auraiya.
Forecast: Light to moderate thunderstorms with lightning and winds of 30-40 kmph are expected.
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Rains cause crop damage
Meanwhile, officials said crop damage due to unseasonal rainfall has been significantly higher than that caused by hailstorms earlier this month.
As per data till March 28, crops spread over 244.23 hectares in 21 districts were damaged due to hailstorms.
In contrast, excess rainfall affected crops across 4,053.11 hectares in 17 districts.
Officials said the maximum damage occurred during the spell of unseasonal heavy rainfall between March 15 and March 22, raising concerns among farmers as fresh weather activity is forecast over the next two days.
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The changing weather is likely to further impact standing crops, particularly wheat, mustard and pulses nearing harvest, with risks of grain loss and quality damage.
Farmers have been advised to complete harvesting of mature crops, avoid irrigation during strong winds and ensure proper storage and drainage to minimise losses.
Maulshree Seth is an Assistant Editor with The Indian Express, based in Lucknow. With over 15 years of experience in mainstream journalism, she has built a formidable reputation for her on-ground reporting across Uttar Pradesh. Her expertise spans a wide array of critical beats, including state politics, governance, the judiciary, and rural development.
Authoritativeness Maulshree’s work is characterized by depth and historical context. Her coverage of high-stakes state elections and landmark judicial rulings has established her as an authoritative voice on the intersection of law and politics in Northern India. She is frequently recognized for her ability to gain access to primary sources and for her nuanced understanding of the socio-economic factors that drive the world's most populous sub-national entity.
Trustworthiness & Ethical Journalism Her reporting is rooted in rigorous fact-checking and a steadfast dedication to neutral, unbiased storytelling. By prioritizing field-based verification—often traveling to the most remote corners of the state—she ensures that her readers receive a truthful and comprehensive view of events. ... Read More