LUCKNOW, Aug. 7 -- The India meteorological department (IMD) has issued an Orange Alert across Uttar Pradesh, forecasting sustained monsoon activity for the next four to five days. This expected spell of rain offers a vital reprieve for the state, which has faced a cumulative rainfall deficit of 21% since the season began on June 1.

The surge in monsoon activity is driven by a reorganisation of the monsoon trough, which is currently passing near Firozpur, Rohtak, Kanpur, Daltonganj and Digha. According to Mohammad Danish, a senior meteorological officer at the Lucknow observatory, this development coupled with active cyclonic circulations affecting both the lower and upper troposphere is fostering stronger monsoon currents across the Gan...