Late-night weather conditions changed abruptly in Lucknow as a b dust storm caused disruption in several parts of the city. Strong winds uprooted hoardings, blew away tin sheds and snapped tree branches, which fell onto roads in multiple areas.
The change in weather on the first day of Nautapa brought some relief from the heat, though b winds caused inconvenience in several localities. Dust clouds covered roads during the late-night storm, reducing visibility considerably.
Power supply was also affected in several parts of Lucknow. Electricity remained disrupted in some areas until late at night due to broken wires and fallen trees. Teams from the municipal corporation and electricity department remained engaged in assessing the damage.
According to local residents, the storm was b enough to bring down signboards outside shops and temporary structures in several locations. In some areas, people avoided stepping out of their homes due to the intensity of the storm.
The India Meteorological Department had earlier indicated the possibility of a change in weather conditions. According to the department, light rainfall accompanied by thunder and lightning may occur in the coming hours. Meteorologists said the change was being observed due to the impact of a western disturbance and local weather systems.
A slight drop in temperature was recorded after the storm, providing some relief from intense heat. However, the weather department advised people to stay away from open spaces and weak structures during storms and rainfall.
Teams of the Lucknow Municipal Corporation have been working since the night to clear fallen trees and damaged hoardings from roads. The administration appealed to people to remain alert and step outside only if necessary during adverse weather conditions.
Videos and images of the storm are also circulating widely on social media. Several people shared visuals of b winds and blowing dust. Some users described the change in weather as relieving, while others raised questions over unorganised hoardings and weak structures.
Experts said intense heat is common across North India during Nautapa, but intermittent storms and pre-monsoon activity can provide temporary relief from temperatures.
The India Meteorological Department has forecast light to moderate rainfall accompanied by thunder, lightning and b winds over the next 24 hours.
