As severe hot conditions intensified across Uttar Pradesh on Thursday, Lucknow recorded its hottest day of the season so far, with six cities from the state figuring among the top 10 hottest locations in the country. According to the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), the maximum temperature in the state capital rose to 42.2 degrees Celsius, which is 3.1 units above normal. The minimum temperature settled at 25.3 degrees Celsius, also 3.1 notches above the seasonal average.
No Immediate Relief Expected
Met officials stated that mercury levels in Lucknow have been rising steadily over the past few days, and the hot conditions are likely to intensify further. On Friday, the sky is expected to remain clear with bright sunshine, with the maximum and minimum temperatures predicted to be around 43 and 26 degrees Celsius, respectively. No significant relief is anticipated until the weekend.
Prayagraj Second Hottest in India
Prayagraj recorded a maximum temperature of 44.4 degrees Celsius, making it the hottest city in Uttar Pradesh and the second hottest in the country on Thursday, following Sri Ganganagar in Rajasthan, which recorded 44.5 degrees Celsius. This marks the second occasion in the past five days that Prayagraj has registered the second-highest maximum temperature in India. Other cities in the state also experienced extreme heat: Sultanpur reached 43.8 degrees Celsius (fifth highest in the country), Varanasi recorded 43.4 degrees Celsius (sixth), Kanpur and Agra each touched 43.2 degrees Celsius (eighth), and Rae Bareli recorded 43.1 degrees Celsius (ninth in India).
Causes of the Heatwave
Officials attributed the harsh weather to several factors, including clear skies that allow intense solar radiation, hot and dry westerly winds originating from desert regions in Rajasthan, and an anticyclone over central India that pushes hot air from Vidarbha toward Uttar Pradesh while preventing cloud formation. These conditions have created a prolonged spell of extreme heat across the state.
Possible Relief After Weekend
Mohammad Danish, senior scientist at IMD Lucknow, indicated that some relief is expected between April 26 and April 28. “Severe heat will continue till the weekend. Thereafter, a western disturbance may bring light rain, starting from western parts of the state and moving eastward. This could lower temperatures by 2 to 3 degrees Celsius,” he said. However, officials also warned that once the western disturbance dissipates, the residual moisture in the atmosphere could lead to sultry conditions, increasing discomfort levels.
Residents are advised to stay hydrated and avoid outdoor activities during peak heat hours. The IMD continues to monitor the situation and will provide updates as the weather pattern evolves.
