Residents of Lucknow woke up to a pleasant morning as light rain accompanied by strong winds swept through the city during the intervening night of Tuesday and Wednesday. This unexpected weather event brought a refreshing change to the capital of Uttar Pradesh.
Meteorological Forecast for Early February
According to officials from the Meteorological Department, more rainfall is anticipated in the first week of February. This prediction stems from a fresh western disturbance developing over Pakistan and Afghanistan. The western part of Uttar Pradesh is expected to receive precipitation on February 1 and 2, while the eastern region, including Lucknow, may witness rainfall on February 2 and 3.
Rainfall Measurements Across the Region
On Wednesday, the total rainfall recorded in Lucknow varied across different locations. Approximately 1.2 millimeters was measured at Amausi Airport, while the Met Department control room in Aliganj reported 5.6 millimeters. Adjacent areas also experienced light to moderate showers, with Malihabad recording 17.5 millimeters and Barabanki receiving 24 millimeters of rain.
Addressing Winter Rainfall Deficits
This recent spell of rain has significantly improved the substantial rainfall deficit that Uttar Pradesh has been facing. Throughout January, the state received 22% less than the normal winter rainfall. Specifically, Lucknow experienced a 39% deficit from normal winter precipitation. The western part of Uttar Pradesh faced a more severe shortfall at 67%, while the eastern region recorded a 40% below-normal rainfall.
Weather Patterns and Temperature Changes
Meteorological experts attribute the rainfall in Lucknow and other western Uttar Pradesh areas to the combined effects of a western disturbance and high moisture content in the atmosphere. The rainy conditions and cloudy skies resulted in a noticeable drop in daytime temperatures, bringing them back to seasonal norms.
On Wednesday, Lucknow's maximum temperature reached 21.6 degrees Celsius, which is 2.1 degrees below normal. Conversely, the minimum temperature rose to 14.2 degrees Celsius, marking a significant 5.6 degrees above the usual level. The increase in nighttime temperatures occurred due to overcast skies, where clouds acted as a barrier that trapped terrestrial radiation, preventing the heat absorbed by the earth during daylight hours from escaping into space.
Upcoming Weather Outlook
Senior scientist Mohammad Danish from the state Met Department provided insights into the forthcoming weather conditions. He stated, "There is less possibility of rain in the next three to four days, but another rainy spell will be witnessed by the city on February 3 and 4, as a fresh western disturbance is likely to hover over Pakistan and Afghanistan, bringing rains to the plains."
Danish further explained, "The city will witness comparatively cooler nights as the minimum temperatures will return to normal levels, which were previously elevated due to sunny days." He added that on Thursday, residents can expect shallow to moderate fog in the morning hours, followed by mainly clear skies during the daytime. The maximum temperature is projected to be around 23 degrees Celsius, with the minimum temperature dropping to approximately 11 degrees Celsius.
Statewide Weather Conditions
Across Uttar Pradesh, the weather is most likely to remain dry in the coming days. However, isolated places within the state may experience dense fog conditions. This weather pattern indicates a temporary respite from rainfall before the anticipated western disturbance brings further precipitation to the region in early February.
