Prayagraj: Aug was recorded as the wettest in Prayagraj in the past 125 years, surpassing the previous record of 595 mm rainfall set in Aug 1948 with 631.6 mm rainfall this year.According to the data available with the meteorological department since 1901, Prayagraj had never received such heavy rainfall during Aug. Banda recorded 646 mm rainfall during the month, the highest in Uttar Pradesh, while Prayagraj stood among the districts receiving exceptionally heavy showers.Meteorologist AK Singh of the Lucknow Meteorological Centre said the month witnessed intense rainfall right from the beginning, with another prolonged wet spell towards its closing days. The third week of Aug alone accounted for around 311 mm rainfall.The rain spell that began on Aug 17 continued for four consecutive days, bringing widespread disruption and waterlogging in the city. The highest single-day rainfall of 120 mm was recorded on Aug 19. The city received 74 mm rain on Aug 17, followed by 70 mm on Aug 18 and around 47.2 mm on Aug 20.The state received 291.3 mm rainfall in Aug against the long-period average of 235.5 mm, marking a surplus of 24%. This was also the highest Aug rainfall recorded in the state during the 21st century after 2018, when 293.1 mm rainfall was registered.The meteorological department has indicated the possibility of above-normal rainfall in Sept as well. Cloudy skies and intermittent rain accompanied by thunderstorms are likely in the region between Sept 3 and Sept 7.Meanwhile, Wednesday brought a marked change in weather conditions in Prayagraj. A cool breeze blowing since early morning kept the mercury low, offering residents a pleasant day after weeks of persistent rain and humidity. Although some localities received sporadic showers, most parts of the city remained dry under overcast skies throughout the day.The maximum and minimum temperatures on Wednesday were recorded at 29 degrees Celsius and 26.4 degrees Celsius, respectively.
