After enduring scorching heat, Uttar Pradesh is finally set to welcome the southwest monsoons. The Lucknow Met Office has forecast monsoon arrival in eastern UP between June 17 and 20, with thunderstorms and lightning expected across the state.

The welcome change in weather has already cooled temperatures by 1–3°C in many districts, with a further dip of 3–5°C expected this week, offering respite from the intense heat and humidity. Humid conditions will ease after June 16, said senior scientist Atul Kumar Singh. While the rains promise relief, authorities urge caution amid ongoing lightning threats.

Meanwhile, Varanasi topped the charts as the hottest city in India on Sunday, with a scorching 43.2°C. A thunderstorm alert has been issued for over 45 cities including Lucknow, Noida, Kanpur, and Meerut, along with warnings of hail in parts of western UP.

Monsoon is expected to officially enter UP through Gorakhpur by June 18, bringing widespread rain and much-needed relief to the heat-struck state.