GORAKHPUR, Nov. 1 -- Unseasonal rainfall and strong winds have brought an early winter chill to eastern Uttar Pradesh, with October temperatures witnessing an unusual dip in Gorakhpur and Basti. Gorakhpur recorded its third-lowest October maximum temperature in 57 years, while Basti registered its lowest maximum temperature for the month in 35 years. The sharp decline in temperatures followed two days of intermittent rainfall, overcast skies and strong winds, bringing winter-like conditions to the region in October itself. According to weather records, Gorakhpur recorded a maximum temperature of 22.1 degrees Celsius on Friday, the third-lowest October maximum temperature in the district since 1969. The lowest maximum temperatures recorded during this period were 20.6 degrees Celsius in 2005 and 21.8 degrees Celsius in 2013. Basti also witnessed an exceptional drop in temperature, with the maximum falling by nearly nine degrees Celsius in a single day. Weather records indicate that such a low October maximum temperature had not been recorded in the district since 1989. Cyclonic circulation, western disturbance behind weather change Senior meteorologist Atul Kumar Singh of the Regional Meteorological Centre, Lucknow, said an analysis of weather records from 1969 to 2026 showed that Friday's maximum temperature in Gorakhpur was the third-lowest recorded in October over the past 57 years. He attributed the sudden change in weather to the combined influence of the remnants of Cyclone Arnab and a western disturbance, which increased atmospheric moisture and triggered rainfall and strong winds across the region. Winds blowing at speeds of 40-50 kmph, along with persistent cloud cover and rainfall, significantly reduced daytime temperatures. The meteorological department said rainfall was likely to subside from Saturday, with weather conditions expected to improve gradually. Maximum temperatures are likely to rise by five to seven degrees Celsius over the next week. However, minimum temperatures may drop by another three to five degrees Celsius, resulting in colder mornings and nights....