LUCKNOW, June 16 -- As the state capital experienced a brief spell of sporadic pre-monsoon showers in the early hours of Sunday, the Lucknow meteorological office is hopeful that the southwest monsoon may enter the eastern parts of the state anytime between Tuesday and Friday.

Even the normal date for monsoon onset in Uttar Pradesh, which is through Gorakhpur, is June 18, weathermen said.

The sporadic pre-monsoon rainfall activities are signs that conditions are favourable for the southwest monsoon's onset between June 17 and 20. There is a possibility of a gradual increase in rainfall activities, which will be accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning, from Wednesday.

"Temperatures may plummet by 3 to 5 degrees over the next three to...