New Delhi, March 21 : Dark, dense cloud cover continues to hover over large parts of Uttar Pradesh, with no immediate relief in sight as volatile weather conditions grip the state.

Driven by an active western disturbance and local pressure systems, the situation is becoming increasingly severe, especially in the eastern and Terai regions.

According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD) in Lucknow, multiple districts are likely to face a combination of heavy rainfall, lightning strikes, and strong winds on Saturday. Authorities have warned that conditions may significantly disrupt normal life.

Districts including Azamgarh, Mau, Ballia, Deoria, Gorakhpur, Sant Kabir Nagar, Basti, Kushinagar, Maharajganj, Siddharth Nagar, Gonda, Balrampur, Shravasti, and Ambedkar Nagar are expected to experience intense rainfall activity. Frequent lightning, thunder, and fast-moving cloud systems are also likely across the Purvanchal and Terai belts, raising safety concerns.

Earlier, the IMD had issued a red alert for several areas, warning of severe thunderstorms accompanied by hail and damaging winds reaching speeds of 50â??60 kmph. Districts under this alert include Rae Bareli, Amethi, Sultanpur, Ambedkar Nagar, Ayodhya, Basti, Unnao, Lucknow, Barabanki, and Gonda. These regions may see hailstorms, power disruptions, and potential damage to crops and temporary structures.

An orange alert has been sounded for a broader set of districts, including Mirzapur, Prayagraj, Sant Ravidas Nagar (Bhadohi), Varanasi, Jaunpur, Pratapgarh, Azamgarh, Sant Kabir Nagar, Hardoi, Sitapur, Bahraich, Siddharth Nagar, Balrampur, Shravasti, Shahjahanpur, Lakhimpur Kheri, and Pilibhit. Moderate thunderstorms with lightning and gusty winds between 40â??60 kmph are expected in these areas.

Weather fluctuations have also led to uneven temperature changes across the state. While the central and eastern regions, including Lucknow, have seen a slight rise of 1â??2 degrees Celsius, the north-western districts have recorded a drop of up to 5 degrees Celsius due to rain and strong winds.

Local administrations in affected districts have been placed on high alert, with instructions to prepare for emergency response, particularly in view of lightning risks and potential infrastructure damage.

Residents are advised to remain cautious, avoid open areas during thunderstorms, and follow official advisories as the weather system remains active.

/IANS