Lucknow: With mercury levels soaring 2-4 degrees above normal in Feb, city and state are set to witness early onset of summer season this year. The upward trend will continue in Mar and maximum temperature is expected to touch 35 degrees Celsius by next week. Normally, such high temperatures are witnessed in first week of Apr. Maximum temperature in the city on Saturday was 31.7 degrees Celsius, 3.6 units above normal, while minimum temperature was 14.8 degrees Celsius, 2 degrees above normal. According to India Meteorological Department, normally 2-3 Western Disturbances hit Himalayas in a month, causing thundershowers in plains and keeping a check on temperatures. But there were no significant WDs in Feb. Also, skies were clear, allowing direct sunlight. These two factors kept temperatures above normal in Feb. Met officials said climatic conditions were such that temperatures would remain above normal in summer this year from Mar till May. In the latter part of the season, dry hot winds will also lash many parts of the state, particularly the Terai belt. In early Mar, strong north-westerly winds are expected for a few days, which may keep temperatures relatively stable at first. By the end of first week of Mar, both maximum and minimum temperatures are likely to rise gradually by 2–3 degree Celsius, with above-normal temperatures expected to persist in Lucknow.Azamgarh recorded highest temperature in the state at 34 degrees Celsius, while Fatehgarh reported lowest daytime maximum at 26.8 degree Celsius.
