Clouds may shower relief on festive holiday: IMD

Lucknow: Weather department has forecast partly cloudy skies with possibility of one or two spells of light rain or thundershowers in Lucknow on Thursday evening and night, bringing relief from prevailing heat. Maximum and minimum temperatures in state capital are likely to remain around 38 degrees Celsius and 27 degrees Celsius, respectively.On Wednesday, Lucknow recorded maximum temperature of 40 degrees Celsius, which was 0.1 degrees above normal, while minimum settled at 28 degrees Celsius, 2.5 degrees above normal.Parts of west UP are expected to be lashed by thunderstorms/dust storms or thundersqualls with wind speeds of 60 to 70 kmph. Hailstorms may occur at isolated places. In eastern UP, isolated areas may witness thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds measuring 50 to 60 kmph.Meanwhile, hottest place in Uttar Pradesh on Wednesday was Banda, with maximum temperature of 47.8 degrees Celsius followed by Prayagraj 46.4, Jhansi 46 and Orai 45.6.IMD, Lucknow senior scientist Mohammad Danish stated, “Thunderstorms and light to moderate rain across the state may give some relief from scorching heat, but it will increase humidity levels leading to high discomfort levels. Severe hot conditions will be back after a couple of days.”