Amid sultry days, chances of storm rain today

Lucknow: Thunderstorm with light rain is expected on Thursday, said weather department after residents witnessed another hot and humid day on Wednesday. The department said the easing conditions, however, would turn sultry again on Friday.Maximum temperature in the city on Wednesday reached 41.4 degrees Celsius, 2.1 degrees above normal, while minimum temperature settled at 29.4 degrees Celsius, also 2.2 degrees above normal. Despite thunder activity in wee-hours of Tuesday, residents got no respite from hot and humid conditions.Moist winds kept humidity levels high, while maximum relative humidity touched 63%, making outdoor conditions uncomfortable.Regional Meteorological Centre forecast a partly cloudy sky on Thursday becoming generally cloudy, with one or two spells of rain or thundershowers in Lucknow and surrounding areas. Day temperatures are expected to fall to around 37 degrees Celsius, while minimum temperature may settle near 27 degrees Celsius.RMC has also issued a thunderstorm warning for the city. Gusty winds with speeds of 50-60 kmph are likely to accompany thunderstorms over Lucknow and neighbouring districts. The expected change in weather comes after several days of above-normal temperatures across the city.RMC Lucknow senior scientist Mohammad Danish said, “Western disturbance activity over Afghanistan and Pakistan and a cyclonic pressure over UP may bring thundershowers from Thursday, which will give relief from prevailing heat and humidity. Residents have been advised to remain alert during thunderstorm activity and avoid open areas during lightning and strong winds.”Elsewhere in the state on Wednesday, hot conditions prevailed. Banda remained hottest place at 45.4 degrees Celsius, followed by Jhansi at 44.2 degrees Celsius, Rae Bareli at 43.9 degrees Celsius, and Kanpur and Prayagraj at 43.6 degrees Celsius each.Weather office issued an alert for UP, as rain and thundershowers are likely at a few places. Isolated areas may experience thundersqualls with wind speeds of 60-70 km/h, gusting up to 80 km/h, accompanied by lightning and hailstorms.