Monsoon Reaches UP Border, Entry Expected By June 20-23; Rain And Thunderstorm Alert In Eight Districts

The pre-monsoon spell continues across Uttar Pradesh, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issuing a thunderstorm and rainfall alert for eight districts on Tuesday. Wind speeds are expected to touch 70 kmph in some areas. While most cities witnessed bright sunshine in the morning, increasing humidity and patchy cloud cover have added to the discomfort.

On Monday evening, hailstorms were reported in Badaun, where strong winds also caused a tree to fall on a moving auto-rickshaw. Rainfall was recorded in Mathura and four other districts. Banda remained the hottest city in the state, recording a maximum temperature of 42.2°C.

Monsoon Advances Towards Uttar Pradesh

The southwest monsoon has reached the Bihar-Uttar Pradesh border and is expected to enter the state within the next few days.

Lucknow-based meteorologist Atul Kumar Singh said, "A western disturbance is active around Haryana. As a result, pre-monsoon rainfall activity is taking place. The monsoon has reached the Bihar border of Uttar Pradesh."

He added that the monsoon is likely to enter Uttar Pradesh through Sonbhadra between June 20 and June 23.

According to weather officials, the ongoing western disturbance is driving pre-monsoon showers and thunderstorms across parts of northern India, while moisture-laden winds continue to move closer to the state.

Hail, Rain and Rising Humidity Across Districts

Several districts experienced changing weather conditions on Monday. Badaun saw rain accompanied by strong winds and hail. In Mathura, heavy showers are expected to benefit farmers engaged in paddy nursery preparation and vegetable cultivation.

Despite scattered rainfall, humidity levels have increased significantly across the state, making conditions uncomfortable in many cities.

Weather Outlook for the Next Five Days

June 16: Cloud movement is expected across Uttar Pradesh. Increased moisture in the atmosphere may provide slight relief from extreme heat.

June 17: The weather is likely to remain mostly clear, although strong winds are expected. Isolated drizzle may occur in some areas due to passing clouds.

June 18: Cloudy conditions will continue across the state, with chances of light rainfall in a few places.

June 19: Light to heavy rainfall is likely in different parts of Uttar Pradesh. Thunderstorms may also develop in isolated areas.

June 20: The monsoon could officially enter the state, bringing widespread rainfall to several districts.

Heatwave Conditions Persist in Major Cities

Gorakhpur witnessed strong sunshine from early morning on Tuesday, while high humidity levels continued to trouble residents. The city is expected to record a maximum temperature of around 38°C and a minimum of 27°C, with hot winds blowing at speeds of 20-25 kmph during the day.

Kanpur also experienced clear skies and intense sunshine. Temperatures, which were around 31°C in the morning, are likely to rise to nearly 42°C by afternoon, with heatwave conditions expected.

In Agra, the temperature remained close to 31°C under bright sunshine. The weather department has forecast rainfall in the city over the next two days.

Below-Normal Rainfall Forecast Raises Concerns

Meteorologists have forecast lower-than-normal rainfall for Uttar Pradesh during the 2026 monsoon season.

Senior scientist Atul Singh said, "This year, below-normal rainfall is expected not only in Uttar Pradesh but across the country."

Normally, the state receives around 820-840 mm of rainfall between June and September. However, rainfall this year is projected to be nearly 8% lower, ranging between 754 mm and 773 mm.

Explaining the reasons behind the forecast, IMD Director General Dr. M. Mahapatra said, "Conditions similar to La Niña in the Pacific Ocean are ending and there are indications of a transition towards El Niño."

Meteorologists believe this shift could weaken the southwest monsoon. Reduced snow cover in the Northern Hemisphere during the January-March period may also influence rainfall patterns.

Impact on Agriculture and Food Prices

Experts warn that reduced rainfall could directly affect Uttar Pradesh's economy, agriculture and daily life. Paddy production may decline by as much as 20%, while delayed rainfall in June and July could postpone transplantation activities and reduce the cultivated area.

Farmers may have to depend more heavily on tube wells for irrigation, increasing electricity and diesel costs. Lower agricultural output could push up the prices of grains, pulses and vegetables.

Drought concerns are also growing in parts of Bundelkhand and southwestern Uttar Pradesh, including districts such as Jhansi, Mahoba, Lalitpur and Mathura.

The outlook stands in contrast to the 2025 monsoon season, when Uttar Pradesh received between 870 mm and 900 mm of rainfall, approximately 10-15% above the seasonal average.