Lucknow | May 21, 2025 — Weather in Uttar Pradesh took a dramatic turn on Tuesday morning as rain and hailstorms lashed multiple regions, bringing much-needed respite from the scorching summer. Lakhimpur and Pilibhit witnessed a 30-minute hailstorm, leaving streets covered in a blanket of white. Meanwhile, five districts, including Lucknow and Barabanki, received early morning showers accompanied by strong winds.
At 7:30 AM, residents of Lucknow and Barabanki saw daytime darkness descend as thick clouds gathered, followed by heavy rainfall and gusty winds.
Streets Turn White in Pilibhit, Rain Cools Lakhimpur
In Pilibhit, late-night rainfall turned into a full-fledged hailstorm, leaving roads and rooftops shimmering white. A similar scene unfolded in Lakhimpur, where hailstones pelted down for nearly half an hour, surprising locals and disrupting early morning activity.
According to the India Meteorological Department’s Monday evening bulletin, Banda remained the hottest place in the state, recording a scorching 46.4°C. However, Tuesday’s rains have cooled down parts of central and eastern UP.
Rain Alert Issued for 39 Districts
The IMD has issued a rainfall and hailstorm alert for 39 districts across the state. Widespread cloud cover and scattered thunderstorms are expected to continue through the day. In some places, hailstorms and strong winds could further impact visibility and traffic.
Why the Sudden Weather Shift?
Atul Kumar, a senior meteorologist based in Lucknow, explained that moisture-laden easterly winds from the Bay of Bengal are behind the shift in weather patterns. “A new western disturbance and low-pressure system have become active over UP, bringing clouds, rain, and hail,” he said.
He added that while this will reduce the impact of heatwaves in several districts, the relief is temporary. “After 3–4 days, temperatures are expected to rise again, possibly crossing 47°C by the end of May.”
What Residents Should Expect
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Intermittent showers throughout the day
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Possibility of hail in isolated areas
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Cooler temperatures in some districts
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Disruption in traffic and power supply due to storms
Authorities have urged people to avoid unnecessary travel during hailstorms and ensure safety measures, especially in rural and agricultural zones where crop damage could be a concern.
Stay tuned for real-time updates on weather warnings and forecasts on the official IMD website and local news channels.
Bhupendra Singh Chundawat is a seasoned technology journalist with over 22 years of experience in the media industry. He specializes in covering the global technology landscape, with a deep focus on manufacturing trends and the geopolitical impact on tech companies. Currently serving as the Editor at Udaipur Kiran, his insights are shaped by decades of hands-on reporting and editorial leadership in the fast-evolving world of technology.