LUCKNOW, Oct. 29 -- Uttar Pradesh is likely to witness widespread unseasonal rainfall, thunderstorms and gusty winds on Thursday and Friday under the influence of severe cyclonic storm Arnab. Eastern districts face the possibility of heavy to very heavy rain, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecast stated on Wednesday. The weather took a turn in Lucknow on Wednesday, with the sky turning overcast. The system is expected to begin influencing the state from the evening or night of October 28, with maximum temperatures likely to drop by 6-9degC, according to weather officials. The forecast takes into account the system's interaction with two successive western disturbances. Chief minister Yogi Adityanath directed officials to remain active in the field and ensure public safety. He instructed the administration to shift people to safe locations wherever necessary. The Relief commissioner's office also issued an advisory. The IMD issued an orange alert for Thursday, forecasting heavy to very heavy rainfall in Prayagraj, Sonbhadra, Mirzapur, Chandauli, Varanasi, Sant Ravidas Nagar and Ghazipur, along with adjoining areas. Heavy rainfall is also likely in Chitrakoot, Kaushambi and Ambedkar Nagar. Thunderstorms and lightning accompanied by gusty winds of 40-50 kmph are forecast in 45 districts, including Banda, Prayagraj, Fatehpur, Varanasi, Gorakhpur and Rampur....