Varanasi: The city basked in cool and pleasant weather on Thursday after a hailstorm accompanied by heavy rain and strong winds that swept through parts of eastern Uttar Pradesh, including Varanasi a day before.With maximum and minimum temperatures settling at 31.3°C and 21.6°C, the city recorded a marked drop from the pre-storm highs of 41–45°C earlier in the week, bringing welcome relief to residents.The city witnessed a mix of sun and clouds on Thursday, with skies turning increasingly overcast by afternoon. Wednesday’s hailstorm was part of broader unstable weather across Eastern Uttar Pradesh and adjoining regions, triggered by a western disturbance. It brought sudden strong winds, heavy rain, thunder, and hail, briefly cooling the area after a prolonged heatwave.Locals as well as tourists were seen enjoying the pleasant weather conditions at the ghats. “After days of unbearable heat, this feels like a blessing,” said Rajesh Gupta, a resident of Sigra. “We could finally step out without fearing a heatstroke.”“After days of staying indoors due to blistering heat, we went for darshan at Kashi Vishwanath Temple… This weather made the boat ride unforgettable,” said Priya Sharma, a tourist.According to weather experts, similar conditions are likely to continue over the next 1-2 days. While temperatures will be at normal levels, humidity levels may rise, making weather sultry with high discomfort levels.Thereafter, temperatures are expected to rise by 3–5 degrees Celsius during the first few days of May.
