UP Weather Update: Heavy Rain Lashes Mathura-Hathras, Red Alert in 61 Districts; 8 Dead from Lightning in 48 Hours

Banda records highest temperature at 42°C; strong winds and thunderstorms to continue across Uttar Pradesh for 5 more days

Lucknow/Varanasi, May 4, 2025: Unseasonal weather continues to disrupt normal life across Uttar Pradesh. Heavy rainfall, accompanied by strong winds, lashed Mathura and Hathras for a second consecutive day, leading to waterlogged roads and power outages. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), as many as 61 districts are under alert today for rainfall and lightning strikes, with eight fatalities reported in the last 48 hours due to lightning-related incidents.

Banda Hottest in UP, Storms Disrupt Several Districts

While large parts of western and eastern UP witnessed moderate to heavy rainfall, Banda remained the hottest city on Friday, recording a maximum temperature of 42°C. Other regions like Saharanpur, Mathura, Ghaziabad, Agra, and Bulandshahr reported intense thunderstorms and heavy rain, with wind speeds reaching 40–50 km/h.

This drastic shift in weather conditions has brought much-needed relief from the early-May heat but has also caused widespread damage, affecting transportation and daily life.

IMD Issues Rainfall and Lightning Alert for Next 3 Days

The regional IMD office has forecast continued instability in the weather across Uttar Pradesh, issuing alerts and weather warnings:

• May 4: Thunderstorms and rainfall expected in western and eastern UP. Winds may reach up to 50 km/h. Temperature could drop by 2–3°C.

• May 5: Cloud cover with chances of isolated thunderstorms and lightning in western UP.

• May 6: Rainfall likely in many regions across the state, with isolated hailstorm warnings in place.

Images of the storm-hit areas show uprooted trees, damaged roofs, and flooded roads, particularly in low-lying areas.

What’s Behind the Sudden Weather Shift?

IMD expert Atul Kumar Singh explained that a dry line currently extends from southwest Rajasthan to Kerala, affecting Uttar Pradesh’s weather. This, coupled with a powerful western disturbance and moist winds from the Bay of Bengal, is triggering widespread thunderstorms and heavy rain.

The clash between southwesterly dry winds and moist easterlies has intensified instability in the atmosphere, resulting in unpredictable weather patterns.

How Hot Will May and June Be? IMD Predictions

Despite current rains, weather scientists have warned of intense summer heat in the coming weeks. According to meteorologist V.P. Singh, the following trends are expected:

• May: Temperatures in UP and Rajasthan could spike to 46–48°C, with 8 to 12 days of heatwave conditions.

• June: The mercury could soar beyond 49°C in parts of UP and adjoining states, with 12 to 15 days of extreme heat predicted.

The normal summer temperature range for Uttar Pradesh is 38–42°C (max) and 22–28°C (min). This summer, both daytime and nighttime temperatures are likely to remain above normal.