Lucknow: The summer heat is set to intensify in the state capital over the next few days, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Lucknow, predicting that the maximum temperature will touch 40 degrees Celsius by the weekend.
Current Temperature Trends
The city recorded a maximum temperature of 37.1 degrees Celsius on Tuesday, which was 2.7 units below normal. However, the minimum temperature stood at 26.8 degrees Celsius, 2.2 notches above normal. On Wednesday, the sky in the city will be mainly clear, with maximum and minimum temperatures expected to hover around 37 and 27 degrees Celsius, respectively.
Forecast and Contributing Factors
IMD, Lucknow stated that the mercury is expected to rise steadily in the coming days as dry weather conditions prevail. Clear skies will allow direct penetration of sun rays. What is likely to make conditions more uncomfortable for residents is the high humidity levels. As moisture content left behind by thundershowers received last week lingers in the atmosphere, the increase in mercury will make the weather sultry. Under these conditions, 40 degrees Celsius will 'feel like' 43 degrees Celsius, officials explained.
Senior weather scientist Mohammad Danish said, “The increase in hot conditions is driven by the interaction of easterly winds associated with a cyclonic circulation over mid-northern parts of the state and westerly winds in the middle troposphere.” As a result, not only Lucknow but most parts of Uttar Pradesh witnessed a rise in temperatures on Tuesday, barring the Terai belt bordering Nepal, which was lashed by dust or thunderstorms.
Statewide Impact
With fully dry conditions expected to set in across the state from May 14, the mercury will rise by 3 to 5 degrees Celsius across Uttar Pradesh in the next few days. At some places, temperatures may climb above normal levels. In Bundelkhand and neighboring areas, temperatures crossed the 40 degrees Celsius mark on Tuesday. Banda was the hottest in the state with 43.6 degrees Celsius, followed by Jhansi at 43 degrees and Prayagraj at 42 degrees.
Residents are advised to take precautions against the heat, including staying hydrated and avoiding direct sun exposure during peak hours.
