India, July 8 -- LUCKNOW Despite the arrival of a delayed monsoon in Uttar Pradesh on June 30-running 12 days behind schedule-the state continues to grapple with a 40% rainfall deficit. According to data released by the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the shortfall is particularly severe in East UP, which faces a 50% deficit while West UP is faring slightly better with a 20% shortfall.

Lucknow experienced 18.4 mm of rainfall on Wednesday afternoon, recording maximum and minimum temperatures of 33.6 and 27.4 degrees Celsius, respectively. The IMD predicts a generally cloudy sky becoming overcast over the next 24 hours for the state capital, with a few spells of rain or thundershowers. Temperatures are expected to settle around 31 a...