LUCKNOW, March 14 -- The Met department has predicted the possibility of hailstorms accompanied by thunderstorms and strong winds in the state from Sunday. This may bring some relief from rising temperatures in many parts of Uttar Pradesh, officials said on Friday. According to the Met department, an active Western disturbance is likely to affect the region from March 15. Consequently, maximum temperatures are expected to fall gradually by 2-3degC over the next four days. Minimum temperatures are also likely to drop by 3-5degC between March 15 and 17. Officials said that increased atmospheric instability may also reduce the fog and mist that usually occur during morning hours. Under these weather conditions, the department issued a 'yellow alert' for several parts of the state. Thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds with speeds of 30-50 kmph are likely in many districts during March 15 and 16, except in Bundelkhand and some central districts. Isolated instances of hailstorms are also expected in some districts of the Terai and eastern regions. Meanwhile, Banda remained the hottest district in the state on Friday with a maximum temperature of 40.2degC, which is seven degrees above normal. Hamirpur recorded 37.2degC, while Varanasi (BHU) recorded 36.9degC. Prayagraj and Orai recorded 36.8degC, while Jhansi recorded 36.5degC. For the second consecutive day, Lucknow recorded a maximum temperature above 35degC....