Several parts of Uttar Pradesh (UP) were hit by thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and light to moderate rainfall on Monday morning, leading to a further decline in mercury levels. The change in weather was particularly observed in some areas of central and east UP, as well as a few places in the Terai belt bordering Nepal.
The highest rainfall of 53 mm was recorded in Barabanki, followed by Gorakhpur with 41 mm, Bahraich with 39.7 mm, Lakhimpur Kheri with 38 mm, Azamgarh with 30.6 mm, and Lucknow with 14.8 mm. The rainfall was accompanied by thunder and gusty winds measuring between 40 and 60 km per hour.
Although the rainfall was limited to several locations, the cool wind it generated led to a drop in mercury levels across UP. The state had been recording below-normal temperatures for the past five days due to thunderstorms at regular intervals. Monday's weather change caused a further drop in mercury levels, especially during the daytime.
For instance, maximum temperatures were recorded between 26 and 38 degrees Celsius, which were 2 to 12 units below normal. Minimum temperatures were also 1 to 5 degrees below normal. Typically, such temperatures are witnessed in the months of February and March.
In Barabanki, the daytime mercury dropped to 26.5 degrees Celsius, which was 12.1 units below normal. In Bareilly, it was 28.5 degrees Celsius, 10.1 notches below normal, and in Aligarh, it was 29 degrees Celsius, 10 degrees below normal. Experts at the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Lucknow, predicted that more thunderstorms may occur in some parts of west UP and at many places in the east and central regions over the next few days. They also issued a warning of lightning, hail, and gusty winds of 40 to 50 kmph at isolated places.
Mohammad Danish, senior scientist at IMD Lucknow, explained that the current weather conditions are due to a trough (an elongated low-pressure area) passing over UP and a western disturbance (WD) approaching Punjab and west UP.
Meanwhile, in the state capital, residents witnessed dark, overcast skies on Monday morning, forcing commuters to switch on vehicle headlights in broad daylight. The change in weather disrupted routine movement across the city. It also led to a sharp fall in temperature, with the maximum settling around 29 degrees Celsius, nearly 10 degrees below normal.
