Lucknow Monsoon Lull Leads to 23 Percent Rainfall Deficit Four Times UP's Shortfall
Lucknow the city continues to experience hot and humid conditions, grappling with a prolonged dry spell that has resulted in a significant 23% rainfall deficit since the monsoon season commenced on June 1. This shortfall is particularly stark when compared to Uttar Pradesh’s overall statewide deficit of just 5%, indicating that Lucknow is facing more localized and severe impacts of the current monsoon lull. The city’s actual average rainfall recorded so far is only 200.7 mm, considerably less than the normal average of 261.4 mm for this period, raising concerns for local agriculture and water management.
According to weather officials, Lucknow has consistently shown a similar rainfall pattern over the past two to three years, characterized by deficits in June and July, followed by an anticipated increase in rainfall during the later months of the monsoon. The primary reason for the current insufficient precipitation is the unfavorable positioning of cyclonic circulations or low-pressure systems. These vital rain-bearing systems have been predominantly occurring in the southern part of the city, failing to move into the central and northern regions of Lucknow and eastern Uttar Pradesh, where their presence is crucial for widespread rain.
On Thursday, the city observed cloudy conditions, but no significant rainfall was recorded. Temperatures remained elevated, with the maximum reaching 36 degrees Celsius and the minimum at 27.2 degrees Celsius. For Friday, the forecast suggests a partly cloudy sky transitioning to generally cloudy conditions by the afternoon, with a possibility of one or two spells of rain or thundershowers. Temperatures are expected to be around 34 degrees Celsius maximum and 27 degrees Celsius minimum, potentially offering some mild relief from the prevailing heat and humidity, which have been quite intense in recent days.
Looking ahead, there is a possibility that Lucknow might receive some much-needed rain within the next three to four days. This optimism stems from the formation of a low-pressure area in the Bay of Bengal, which is expected to induce changes in weather conditions across eastern Uttar Pradesh, including the state capital. Meanwhile, across the broader state, rain and thundershowers are very likely at a few places over West Uttar Pradesh and at many places over East Uttar Pradesh, with isolated thunderstorms accompanied by lightning also anticipated.
Despite the current dry conditions, meteorological experts remain cautiously optimistic that the latter part of the monsoon season will bring the required rainfall to alleviate the deficit.
