LUCKNOW, May 28 -- Thunderstorms, rain and hailstorm activity are expected to spread across the state and bring temporary relief from soaring temperatures beginning from May 29. According to India Meteorological Department (IMD) officials, thunderstorm activity from Western Uttar Pradesh is gradually advancing towards Eastern districts, and may reach by Friday. Meteorologists said the weakening of hot Westerly Winds, which had been dominating weather conditions across Uttar Pradesh over the past several days, is one of the key reasons behind the sudden weather change. Moisture incursion through Easterly Winds, is likely to trigger widespread thunderstorm and rainfall activity across the state between May 28 and May 31. Severe heatwave conditions, however, continued across several districts on Wednesday as temperatures remained significantly above normal in many parts of the state. Banda remained the hottest place in Uttar Pradesh, recording a maximum temperature of 47.8 degrees Celsius. Prayagraj followed at 46.4degC, while Jhansi registered 46.0degC. Orai recorded 45.6degC, while Kanpur (IAF) and Hamirpur both touched 45.2degC. Agra (Taj) also remained under intense heat, recording a maximum temperature of 45.1degC. The state capital Lucknow recorded a maximum temperature of 40.0degC, marginally above normal, while the minimum temperature settled at 28.0degC. Relative humidity levels ranged between 38% and 68% during the day, although no rainfall was recorded. According to the IMD forecast, Lucknow and adjoining areas are likely to witness mainly clear skies turning partly cloudy, with the possibility of one or two spells of rain or thundershowers towards evening or night in the coming days. IMD officials said humidity levels are also likely to rise across several districts over the coming days due to increased moisture incursion, which may add to discomfort despite the expected fall in temperatures. The weather department has issued a red alert for thunderstorms, lightning, hailstorms and strong winds across several districts between May 28 and May 30. Wind speeds during intense thunderstorm activity may reach 80 to 100 kmph in isolated districts of western and central Uttar Pradesh. According to the forecast, western Uttar Pradesh is likely to witness thunderstorm and rain activity on Thursday and Friday, while eastern Uttar Pradesh may experience widespread thunderstorms from Friday onward as the weather system progresses eastward. Districts including Lucknow, Kanpur, Prayagraj, Varanasi, Gorakhpur, Ayodhya, Meerut, Bareilly, Agra and Moradabad are likely to witness thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds during the period. The IMD said the weather conditions are likely to remain comparatively cooler during the weekend, particularly on May 30 and May 31, bringing temporary relief from the heatwave. However, the relief may not last long. Temperatures are likely to begin rising again after June 2 as dry Westerly Winds are expected to regain strength over northern India. If current weather patterns continue, heatwave conditions may once again intensify across parts of Uttar Pradesh during the first week of June....