The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for several districts in Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand on Saturday, September 26, 2026, forecasting heavy to very heavy rainfall, accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning. Delhi, meanwhile, is under a yellow alert with predictions of light to moderate showers.
The severe weather system, a depression moving north-northwestwards from southern Chhattisgarh, is expected to bring intense rainfall to northern and central India. This weather activity has prompted authorities to issue warnings and advise residents to take necessary precautions.
In Uttar Pradesh, the IMD has warned of heavy to very heavy rainfall in many places and extremely heavy rainfall at isolated locations. The red alert has been issued for districts identified as particularly vulnerable to intense rainfall. The State government has placed district administrations on alert and urged people to avoid unnecessary travel, stay away from rivers and water bodies, and exercise caution, especially during lightning and heavy downpours. Lucknow, the state capital, has already recorded significant rainfall in the preceding 21 hours.
Neighboring Uttarakhand faces similar, if not more severe, weather conditions. A red alert has been issued for districts including Bageshwar, Pithoragarh, Champawat, Nainital, and Udham Singh Nagar for Saturday. For Sunday, September 27, the red alert extends to Dehradun, Tehri, Pauri, and Haridwar, with orange and yellow alerts in place for other districts. The IMD has forecast extremely heavy rainfall in some areas, raising concerns about landslides, flash floods, road blockages, and rising river levels, particularly in the mountainous regions. Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has directed officials to maintain vigilance and urged residents and tourists to exercise extreme caution.
Delhi is expected to experience cloudy skies with light to moderate rain and thunderstorms. Winds are predicted to reach speeds of 30-50 kmph. While a yellow alert is in place for Saturday, the intensity of rainfall is expected to be less severe compared to Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand. Rainfall activity in Delhi is anticipated to continue through September 28, though the warning level may ease.
The weather system is a significant event, marking a potential last burst of intense rainfall before the monsoon’s withdrawal from northern India. The combination of the depression and a Western Disturbance is contributing to the widespread precipitation. Authorities are closely monitoring the situation, and preparedness measures are being implemented in districts identified as high-risk for flash floods and other rain-related adversities.
The Chenab Times News Desk