Rain and Thunderstorms Sweep Uttar Pradesh, Temperatures Plunge 7°C Below Normal

Key facts

• Fatehpur tehsil in Barabanki recorded 48 mm rainfall, the highest in the state.
• Luckow recorded 6.6 mm of precipitation during the past 24 hours.
• Day temperatures across Uttar Pradesh dropped 5–7°C below normal on Sunday.
• Night temperatures fell 1–2°C below normal, with some areas seeing a dip of 5–8°C.
• A western disturbance over north Pakistan and cyclonic circulations over Haryana and eastern Madhya Pradesh are driving the weather.
• The Met department warns of thunderstorms with lightning and gusts up to 60 km/h at isolated places.
• Forecast for Lucknow: partly cloudy with one or two spells of rain, max 31°C, min 23°C.

A Sudden Chill Descends on Uttar Pradesh

Rain, thunderstorms and gusty winds have swept across Uttar Pradesh over the past 24 hours, dragging daytime temperatures as much as 7 degrees Celsius below the seasonal average. isolated areas in central Uttar Pradesh received up to 5 cm of rainfall, while eastern parts experienced light to moderate showers and western regions saw light rain accompanied by thunder and lightning. No heatwave conditions were recorded anywhere in the state, and the weather office said such conditions are unlikely to develop over the next week. Night temperatures also stayed below normal by 1 to 2 degrees Celsius at most places, with some locations recording a sharper dip of 5 to 8 degrees Celsius below average.

Multiple Weather Systems Converge

The prevailing weather is being influenced by a complex interplay of atmospheric systems. A western disturbance over north Pakistan and adjoining areas, combined with cyclonic circulations over Haryana and eastern Madhya Pradesh, has created an east-west trough extending from Punjab to Nagaland across northern and eastern India. The interaction between moist easterly winds and dry, cooler westerlies has generated atmospheric instability, triggering the current spell of rain and thunderstorms. This convergence of systems is expected to keep conditions unsettled over the coming days.

Heavy Rainfall in Specific Districts

Fatehpur tehsil in Barabanki district recorded the highest rainfall in the state at 48 mm. Other notable totals include Sultanpur, Mankapur in Gonda, and Ram Sanehi Ghat in Barabanki. Lucknow, the state capital, received 6.6 mm of rain during the period. The Met department has issued a warning for thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and gusty winds with speeds of 40–50 km/h, gusting up to 60 km/h, at isolated places across the state. Rain or thundershowers are likely at a few places in Uttar Pradesh over the coming days.

Forecast for Lucknow and Surrounding Areas

For Lucknow and adjoining areas, the forecast indicates a partly cloudy sky with one or two spells of rain or thundershowers. The maximum temperature is likely to hover around 31 degrees Celsius, while the minimum is expected to be around 23 degrees Celsius. Looking ahead, the 10-day forecast from The Weather Channel suggests a mix of hazy conditions and occasional drizzle. Temperatures are expected to gradually rise, with highs reaching 34–36°C by the end of the week, but the haze and chance of late-night showers persist.

Air Quality and Visibility Concerns

The rainy spell has brought hazy conditions across the region. Air quality index readings, developed by the Environmental Protection Agency, indicate that values below 100 are considered good, while those above 300 are hazardous. The current haze is likely due to moisture and particulate matter, though no specific AQI readings were provided for Lucknow. Visibility may be reduced during rain and thunderstorm episodes, particularly in areas with heavy downpours. Residents are advised to exercise caution while traveling, especially during gusty winds.

Outlook: No Immediate Relief from Unseasonal Weather

The India Meteorological Department has not indicated an immediate end to the unsettled weather. The interaction of the western disturbance and cyclonic circulations is expected to persist, maintaining the potential for rain and thunderstorms across Uttar Pradesh. While the state has been spared the scorching heat typical of early May, the unseasonal coolness and precipitation bring their own challenges, including potential damage to crops and disruption to daily life. The coming days will reveal whether these systems weaken or are replaced by new weather patterns.

The bottom line

• Uttar Pradesh experienced widespread rain and thunderstorms, with temperatures dropping 5–7°C below normal.
• Multiple weather systems, including a western disturbance and cyclonic circulations, are driving the current conditions.
• Fatehpur tehsil in Barabanki recorded the highest rainfall at 48 mm; Lucknow received 6.6 mm.
• The Met department warns of gusty winds up to 60 km/h and lightning at isolated places.
• No heatwave conditions are expected in the next week, with temperatures remaining below normal.
• The 10-day forecast for Lucknow shows a gradual rise in temperatures but continued haze and chance of showers.