LUCKNOW/KANPUR, April 5 -- Unseasonal rain and hailstorms across Uttar Pradesh caused widespread damage to crops in Bundelkhand and claimed three lives in Kanpur and two in Kasganj. However, the downpour brought relief from rising temperatures in Lucknow, officials said on Saturday.

After a day of bright sunshine, the weather took a sudden U-turn in the state capital on Saturday evening. The maximum temperature settled at 35.6degC before a strong system, accompanied by gusty winds of up to 39 kmph, lightning and rain, swept across the city around 5 pm, as predicted by the Indian meteorological department (IMD).

The sky turned overcast and rain followed across most parts of Lucknow, disrupting weekend plans for many residents. the state ...