LUCKNOW, June 20 -- Pre-monsoon showers lashed the state capital on Thursday, bringing much-needed relief from the sweltering heat and humidity, while lowering the temperature noticeably.

According to the meteorological department, the monsoon is expected to arrive on schedule. "Pre-monsoon thundershowers have already started in Lucknow. If the current pattern continues, the monsoon could reach Lucknow within the next 24 to 36 hours," stated Mohd Danish, senior scientist at the met department on Thursday evening. The maximum temperature was recorded at 37.2degC, while the minimum stood at 28.1degC.

On Friday, the city is expected to witness an overcast sky with occasional spells of rain or thundershowers. The maximum and minimum tempera...