E-Paper
U.P’s monsoon outlook improves, but rainfall deficit persists in east
According to official figures, the state has received 337.9 mm rainfall so far this season against a normal of 357.6 mm. During the first half of the monsoon period (June–July), western UP received 385.6 mm rainfall, 21% above the long-term average, while eastern UP logged 304.6 mm, marking a 21% deficit. The cumulative rainfall for the entire state stood at 356.6 mm, about 6% below normal.
Uttar Pradesh recorded an overall rainfall deficit of 6% as of Thursday, with weather officials forecasting above-normal rainfall during the second half of the southwest monsoon season (August-September 2025). Most parts of the state are expected to receive normal to above-normal showers in the coming weeks.
According to official figures, the state has received 337.9 mm rainfall so far this season against a normal of 357.6 mm. During the first half of the monsoon period (June–July), western UP received 385.6 mm rainfall, 21% above the long-term average, while eastern UP logged 304.6 mm, marking a 21% deficit. The cumulative rainfall for the entire state stood at 356.6 mm, about 6% below normal.
Based on projections by the Monsoon Mission and other climate models, the ongoing Pacific Ocean Neutral El Niño conditions are likely to continue through the season, while the Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) may shift to negative by the end of the monsoon. As a result, the far eastern belt of the state, particularly bordering Bihar, is expected to receive near-normal rainfall in the August-September period. Most other regions are forecast to get above-normal precipitation.
According to Atul Kumar Singh, senior scientist at the Lucknow Meteorological Office, “In August, western and southern parts of UP may record below-normal temperatures, while eastern UP is likely to experience normal to above-normal temperature conditions.”
Lucknow recorded 1.9 mm rainfall on Thursday. Despite intermittent rain over the past few days, the city remains 26% short of the seasonal average, receiving 234.9 mm so far compared to the normal 317.3 mm.
Gorakhpur, one of the worst-hit eastern districts, has received 349.1 mm rainfall so far compared to a normal of 606.2 mm, reflecting a significant deficit of 42%.
The forecast for Lucknow predicts a partly to generally cloudy sky with chances of light rain or thundershowers. Maximum and minimum temperatures are expected to hover around 34°C and 26°C, respectively.
In contrast, cities along the Ganga River have received above-average rainfall. Varanasi recorded 464 mm against a normal of 370 mm, a surplus of 25%. Prayagraj received 394.5 mm compared to the usual 328.7 mm (20% excess), while Kanpur City reported 351.8 mm against the normal 304.6 mm (16% excess).
Meanwhile, the state forecast indicates rain and thundershowers are very likely at many locations in western Uttar Pradesh and at a few spots across the eastern region.
