RELIEF AHEAD?

■ Maximum temperatures are likely to drop by 1-2 degrees on Thursday, and there may be thunderstorms and dust storms between May 29 and May 30 in the Delhi-NCR due to the influence of a western disturbance and easterly winds closer to the land’s surface ■ But temperatures are likely to go up again after June 3

LUCKNOW: Days will be a little better from Thursday as one may expect a drop in maximum temperature.

The Met department on Wednesday predicted rain/ thunderstorm at few places over east and west Uttar Pradesh that will bring respite from the blistering heat wave that has gripped the state for a week now.

The Met department has warned of a dust storm, thunderstorm, lighting accompanied with squall (50-60kmph) very likely at isolated places over the state in the next 24 hours.

In fact, Lucknow and its adjoining areas experienced a change in weather on Wednesday evening when the city was hit by a dust storm.

“Heat wave conditions are very likely to prevail at isolated places over the state,” said Met director JP Gupta.

Pegged at 46.8 degrees Celsius, Banda was hottest in the state. Jhansi was next with 46.7 and Prayagraj 46.6 degrees.

Kanpur recorded 45.3 degrees Celsius, Varanasi and Hamirpur were at 45.2 degrees Celsius.

The rise in temperatures comes on the back of an exceptionally pleasant April in the state capital; even the first half of May saw maximum temperatures well below normal in the city. On Tuesday, In Lucknow, maximum and minimum temperatures were recorded at 42.6°C (+2.4) and 27.9°C (+2.0) respectively.

The forecast for Lucknow is mainly clear skies becoming partly cloudy. Rain/thunderstorm is very likely in some areas. Maximum and minimum temperature will be around 42°C and 27°C, respectively.