Uttar Pradesh Weather Update: Thunderstorms and Rain Bring Relief from Heat
On Friday morning, significant rainfall and thunderstorms swept across multiple regions of Uttar Pradesh, including the state capital Lucknow. This weather event provided a welcome respite from the warm conditions that had persisted over the past two weeks. The sudden atmospheric shift resulted in a notable decrease in maximum temperatures, with drops ranging from 5 to 12 degrees Celsius in various parts of the state.
Detailed Meteorological Forecast and Conditions
According to the Met department, the weather in Lucknow is expected to remain cloudy on Saturday. There is a predicted drop in the minimum temperature, accompanied by the possibility of light rainfall. Isolated areas in western and eastern Uttar Pradesh may experience rain or thundershowers. Additionally, certain parts of eastern UP could witness thunderstorms featuring lightning and gusty winds with speeds reaching up to 40-50 kmph. The department has indicated that clear weather is anticipated from March 22 to 26.
In terms of rainfall measurements, Bijnor recorded the highest precipitation in the state at 23.2mm. This was followed by Barabanki with 18.2mm, Lucknow with 18mm, Bahraich with 15.4mm, and Meerut with 11.2mm. High-velocity winds also impacted the state, with Hathras experiencing wind speeds of up to 52 km per hour. Isolated reports of hailstorm activity emerged from Mathura as well.
Impact on Lucknow and Temperature Variations
In Lucknow, residents awoke to a partly cloudy sky that transformed into heavy overcast conditions by 10am. This was succeeded by thundershowers accompanied by winds measuring between 20-25 km per hour. The thunderstorms led to power cuts in numerous areas, lasting for several hours. The maximum temperature in the state capital plummeted to 23.5 degrees Celsius, which is 10.3 notches below the normal level, marking it as the coolest day of March in Lucknow.
However, the partly cloudy sky during the night hindered the escape of ground heat into the atmosphere, causing a rise in mercury levels. The minimum temperature was recorded at 20.3 degrees Celsius, 4.1 units above normal. Consequently, the difference between the maximum and minimum temperatures was a mere 3.2 degrees.
Scientific Explanation from Met Department
Senior scientist at the Met department, Mohammad Danish, provided an explanation for the weather phenomenon. He stated, "There was a western disturbance due to a trough—an elongated low-pressure area—extending from north Pakistan to southwest Madhya Pradesh across Punjab and Rajasthan. Simultaneously, a cyclonic circulation was present over Uttar Pradesh. The interaction between this western disturbance and the cyclonic system triggered the thunderstorms and rainfall in several parts of the state, including Lucknow."
