Monsoon knocking: Clouds, gusty winds and rain likely to lash city by weekend

Lucknow: Residents of the state capital can expect relief from the ongoing intense hot and sultry conditions as a fresh western disturbance (WD) is approaching north India, and the southwest monsoon is expected to strengthen and advance further towards Uttar Pradesh in the next 2-3 days.The city’s maximum temperature on Wednesday was 40.4 degrees Celsius, three units above normal, while the minimum temperature settled at 28 degrees Celsius, 1.3 notches above normal. Relative humidity levels ranged between 35% and 61%, adding to the discomfort.The India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasts a mainly clear sky over Lucknow and adjoining areas on Thursday, with maximum and minimum temperatures likely to hover around 41 degrees Celsius and 28 degrees Celsius, respectively.According to Mohammad Danish, senior scientist at the Regional Meteorological Centre, hot and dry conditions are likely to persist across much of UP for the next few days.The WD is expected to impact the state on Friday. Weather conditions are also becoming favourable for the advancement of southwest monsoon into east UP in the next 2-3 days, he added.“The combined impact of the two factors would increase cloud cover, bring gusty winds and trigger light to moderate rainfall in parts of UP, including Lucknow, by the weekend,” he said.

Banda hottest again at 44.2 degreesIntense heat continues to affect large parts of eastern UP. Banda continued to be the hottest in the country by recording a 44.2 degrees Celsius maximum temperature, followed by Prayagraj at 43.4, Varanasi, Jhansi and Lakhimpur Kheri at 42 each. Meteorologists said temperatures may rise slightly over the next 2-3 days.