Meerut, Sept. 2 -- Monsoon rains have returned with renewed intensity across western Uttar Pradesh, causing widespread waterlogging, school closures, and heightened fears of flooding in several districts. Over the past 48 hours, heavy downpour lashed the cities of Pilibhit, Bareilly, Badaun, Shahjahanpur, Lakhimpur Kheri, and Meerut, leaving thousands grappling with waterlogged streets and rising river levels. India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued an orange alert for heavy rainfall in these districts on Monday. Pilibhit bore the most brunt of the rain on Sunday, recording 55 mm in eight hours followed by another 25 mm until Monday afternoon. Several key roads in the city were submerged in four feet of water, prompting the district administration to order a two-day closure of all schools on September 1 and 2. Authorities have also raised concerns over the swelling Sharda and Devahi rivers, which pose a serious flood threat to low-lying areas. In Bareilly, intermittent showers since Sunday evening intensified overnight, flooding multiple neighbourhoods by Monday morning. The administration ordered all schools up to Class 8 to remain shut as a precaution. Bareilly has already recorded 385 mm of rainfall in August, surpassing its four-year high and far exceeding the monthly average of 260 mm. The last record was in 2021, of 340 mm. Meteorologists attribute the excess rain to the unusual interaction of four low-pressure systems and five western disturbances in August, three of which overlapped to bring an additional 125 mm of rainfall. Shahjahanpur and Lakhimpur Kheri reported light showers, while Badaun received 8.5 mm of rain. Experts have warned of above-normal rainfall through September, making this one of the heaviest monsoon spells western UP has seen in recent years. Meerut marked the beginning of September with torrential rains, logging 81 mm between late Sunday night and Monday morning. With forecasts predicting up to 100 mm more in the next 24 hours, the district magistrate ordered the closure of all schools up to Class 8. The downpour has brought some relief in the form of cleaner air. Meerut's Air Quality Index (AQI) dropped below 50 on Monday morning, marking a significant improvement in pollution levels. Neighbouring districts also reported improved air quality. The Met noted that while heavy September rainfall is not unusual, the southwest monsoon is expected to begin withdrawing after September 15....