Uttar Pradesh is facing the grip of a severe heatwave, with temperatures soaring well above 40 degrees Celsius in many cities. While some areas experienced a temporary respite from late afternoon showers on Tuesday, other regions like Bundelkhand continue to battle relentless heat that disrupts daily life and forces residents to stay indoors.
On Tuesday, Bulandshahr recorded the highest temperature in the state, reaching a scorching 42 degrees Celsius. Other cities that experienced extreme heat include Prayagraj (41.6 degrees Celsius), Basti (41 degrees Celsius), Varanasi (40.9 degrees Celsius), Sultanpur and Agra (40.8 degrees Celsius each), and Jhansi (40.6 degrees Celsius).
The intense heat in Gorakhpur has significantly impacted schoolchildren. By 7:00 am on Tuesday, the temperature had already climbed to 35 degrees Celsius, making it difficult for children to attend school. By 11:00 am, the mercury had soared to a staggering 41.5 degrees Celsius, reaching nearly 42 degrees Celsius by noon.
In Lucknow, the maximum temperature on Tuesday was 39.6 degrees Celsius, 0.5 units above normal, while the minimum temperature was 23.1 degrees Celsius, 0.9 notches above normal. The state Met department has issued a heatwave warning for east UP on Wednesday and most parts of the state on Thursday and Friday. Dry hot winds are also expected to lash many parts of the state during this period.
According to Mohammad Danish, a senior scientist at the state Met department, the cyclonic circulations that brought thunder showers to isolated places in east UP and partly cloudy skies to many parts of the state in the past couple of days have now fizzled out. This will result in clear skies in the coming days, leading to a gradual rise in temperatures. Additionally, dry hot winds from the desert regions of Rajasthan are blowing into the state. All these factors are expected to contribute to the heatwave conditions.
While some parts of the state experienced light showers on Tuesday, they provided only brief respite from the scorching heat. The extreme heat is taking a toll on residents, particularly those who work outdoors or have to travel during the day.
The state government has advised people to take precautions against the heat, such as staying hydrated, avoiding prolonged exposure to the sun, and wearing loose, light-colored clothing. The authorities have also set up heatwave relief centers in various parts of the state to provide shelter and water to those in need.
