LUCKNOW, April 30 -- Unseasonal rains with severe storms have swept across Uttar Pradesh over the past 48 hours, bringing dramatic relief from scorching heat. Maximum temperatures have dropped 10-12 degrees Celsius statewide, completely eliminating heatwave conditions.

Banda district, named the world's hottest city on April 27 with 47.6 degrees Celsius, experienced the sharpest decline. The maximum temperature dropped to 36.4 degrees on Thursday, marking an 11.2-degree drop in just three days.

Gusty winds exceeding 50-60 km/h were recorded across the state, with some areas experiencing gusts beyond 70 km/h.

Relief is expected to continue through the week. A brief lull in rains is forecast for May 1-3, when temperatures may rise 4-6 deg...