Lucknow Weather

Lucknow Drenched in Deluge: Schools Shut as Rainfall Persists

When the heavens open up, Lucknow dances in the rain. The City of Nawabs, known for its rich cultural heritage and scrumptious kebabs, has another story to tell this monsoon season – a story of waterlogged streets, resilient citizens, and an unpredictable weather pattern.

Rainfall Records Broken

With over 90 millimeters of rainfall in just 12 hours, Lucknow experienced its most torrential downpour of the year. The deluge began on Sunday evening and persisted until Monday morning, leaving the city's roads waterlogged and commuters stranded in traffic snarls.

The meteorological department's predictions had been on point, with heavy rain engulfing several districts of Uttar Pradesh. Lucknow bore the brunt of the downpour, as its residents waded through waterlogged streets and shared their woes on social media, pleading for assistance from authorities. From Jankipuram Sector F to Chowk, Faizullahganj to LDA Colony on Kanpur Road, and Ashiana, the city grappled with the aftermath of relentless rain.

Even Lucknow's VVIP areas, such as Vikramaditya Marg and Kalidas Marg, where ministers reside in palatial bungalows, were not spared. However, the Lucknow Municipal Corporation (LMC) engineers sprang into action, installing pumps overnight to drain the floodwater, with generators ensuring their continuous operation.

Authorities on High Alert

Divisional Commissioner Roshan Jacob, along with Municipal Commissioner Inderjeet Singh, didn't rest as well. At 5 AM, they ventured into the affected areas, including Jankipuram and Munshipulia, to assess the situation. Their visit also extended to the pumping stations in Jankipuram to ensure the pumps were functioning as intended.

Today's Weather Outlook

The meteorological rollercoaster isn't over yet, as Uttar Pradesh continues to witness fluctuating weather conditions. Due to a cyclonic circulation pattern, several districts are expected to experience rainfall ranging from light to heavy.

Areas like Etawah, Auraiya, Gonda, Kannauj, Ayodhya, and Basti are poised for heavy to very heavy rain, as per the MeT department's forecasts. Moreover, approximately 35 districts will witness light to moderate rainfall, accompanied by thunderstorms.

In Lucknow and the adjoining Bundelkhand regions, showers are anticipated to persist, accompanied by a wind speed of 20 to 25 kilometers per hour.

Schools Shuttered, Residents Cautious

In response to the meteorological predictions, District Magistrate Suryapal Gangwar took proactive measures early on Monday morning. He ordered the closure of all schools across the district, ensuring the safety of students and staff members. The DM's office also issued a warning, advising residents to stay indoors unless necessary, as more rainfall, lightning, and thunderstorms are expected. The warning emphasizes the importance of avoiding standing under trees or in unstable buildings.

As the rain continues to drench Lucknow, its residents exhibit their resilience and adaptability in the face of nature's unpredictable mood swings. Despite the challenges posed by the downpour, the spirit of Lucknow remains undaunted, ready to embrace whatever weather the monsoon brings next.