Severe Heatwave Ravages Uttar Pradesh; Banda Remains Hottest in Country; check IMD predictions
On Wednesday, people across Uttar Pradesh continued to grapple with scorching heat, as temperatures in several districts remained at dangerously high levels. Due to this blistering weather, many people were forced to stay indoors during the afternoon hours; between 11 AM and 5 PM, roads and markets appeared almost deserted.
Red Alert for the state for the next three days
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a 'Red Alert' for the state for the next three days, warning that the intensity of the heatwave is likely to escalate further. Weather officials have also indicated that nights in many areas may remain warm, offering little hope of relief from the heat even after sunset.
Banda records 48 degrees
For the fourth consecutive day, Banda remained the hottest district in the country, recording a maximum temperature of 48 degrees Celsius. Temperatures in several other districts also remained significantly above normal levels. Temperatures of 46.4°C were recorded in Prayagraj, 46.2°C in Hamirpur, 45.9°C in Jhansi, 45.3°C in Agra, and 45.2°C in Orai. In the state capital, Lucknow, the mercury touched 43.2°C, while Kanpur recorded a temperature of 44.6°C.
All schools up to Class 12 closed
Due to the continuously intensifying heat, all schools up to Class 12 have been closed in several districts. Some private offices have also implemented 'Work-from-Home' arrangements for their employees. The administration is attempting to mitigate the impact of the heat by sprinkling water on the roads, while coolers and sprinklers are being utilized in zoos to protect the animals from the heat.
Heatwave to severe heatwave conditions likely to persist
According to the IMD, heatwave to severe heatwave conditions are likely to persist in several parts of the state—particularly in the Bundelkhand, Kanpur, Agra, and Purvanchal regions—until May 24. During this period, strong winds blowing at speeds of 20 to 30 kilometers per hour are also expected.
Health experts and weather officials have advised people to drink adequate amounts of water (stay hydrated), avoid venturing outdoors during the hottest hours of the afternoon, and wear light cotton clothing. Farmers have also been warned that crops such as maize, pulses, groundnuts, sunflowers, and vegetables could suffer damage due to moisture depletion and rising temperatures caused by this intense heat.