Lucknow: Uttar Pradesh is likely to get a prolonged spell of monsoon rain, with the India Meteorological Department predicting widespread showers and isolated heavy to very heavy rainfall in several parts of the state till Aug 19. Monsoon winds have shifted northwards, bringing more moisture and increasing rain activity over Uttar Pradesh, with maximum temperatures over the next four days expected to fall by 5-7 degrees Celsius. “The shift in the monsoon trough towards Uttar Pradesh, along with the movement of the depression and moisture-laden winds, is strengthening monsoon activity. This is likely to result in more widespread rainfall over the state in the coming days,” said senior scientist at the Regional Meteorological Centre, Lucknow, Mohammad Danish. He also said an active western disturbance over Pakistan and a cyclonic circulation over northwest Uttar Pradesh were likely to bring more rain to the state. The IMD has forecast heavy to very heavy rain at isolated places on Sunday and Monday, while heavy rain is likely at several places on Saturday and Tuesday. Rain activity is expected to continue in parts of eastern UP even on Aug 19. As per the district-wise forecast on the IMD Lucknow website, moderate to heavy rainfall is likely over several districts during the next few days. Lucknow is likely to see rain activity continuing through the weekend and into next week. The rain comes as a relief to a state that has so far recorded a 23% seasonal rainfall deficit. Till Aug 14, UP had received 360mm against the normal 470.1mm. Eastern UP was 30% deficient, while western UP was 12% below normal. Several places have already received significant rain. Bhitpur in Sitapur recorded 124.6mm, while Bardatad in Gorakhpur received 101.8mm, Neemsa in Sitapur 85.6mm, Kannauj 81.8mm and Mirzapur tehsil 77mm in the 24 hours ending at 8.30am on Aug 14.
