LUCKNOW, Sept. 23 -- The southwest monsoon began withdrawing from West Uttar Pradesh on Wednesday, four days earlier than usual, but rainfall activity is expected to intensify over eastern and central parts of the state from Thursday as a deep depression develops over the Bay of Bengal. Heavy to very heavy rain is forecast at isolated places in East UP on September 25 and 26, while maximum temperatures are expected to fall by 6 to 9degC across the state.

The monsoon's withdrawal from West UP normally begins from Bijnor on September 27, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). However, the early withdrawal is not expected to continue across the state in the coming days as weather conditions remain favourable for rainfall. ...