Lucknow: As dry hot winds swept across Uttar Pradesh and cloudless skies kept the sun blazing, Banda recorded the highest maximum temperature in the country at 46.4 degrees Celsius on Sunday. The district also emerged as the hottest location in Asia, according to data released by the India Meteorological Department (IMD).
Global and National Heat Rankings
Globally, Banda was among the hottest locations, sharing fifth position with Illizi in Algeria. The world's hottest places were Boromo in Burkina Faso and Jalo in Libya, both at 46.7 degrees Celsius, followed by Tragen in Libya at 46.6 degrees Celsius and Sebha in Libya at 46.5 degrees Celsius.
In Asia, Banda led the heat chart, followed by Akola and Wardha at 46 degrees Celsius each. Amravati recorded 45.8 degrees Celsius, while Nawabshah in Pakistan stood fifth at 45.5 degrees Celsius. Other cities among the top 10 included Barmer at 45.4 degrees Celsius, Parbhani at 45.2 degrees Celsius, and Bikaner, Rajgarh, and Rohri, each at 45 degrees Celsius.
Heatwave Conditions Intensify
According to IMD data, it was the highest temperature recorded in both the state and the country after a fortnight. Meanwhile, heatwave conditions intensified across the state as dry and scorching winds swept through the region.
Other Uttar Pradesh cities with high temperatures included Jhansi at 44.6 degrees Celsius, followed by Prayagraj at 44.5 degrees, Hamirpur at 44.2 degrees, Orai at 43.8 degrees, and Varanasi (BHU) at 43.4 degrees Celsius.
Forecast and Advisory
Mohammad Danish, senior scientist at IMD, Lucknow, said: “The extreme weather conditions were driven by persistent hot westerly winds and the absence of cloud cover, causing mercury levels to remain well above normal in several districts of the state. Severe conditions will be witnessed across the region in the next few days.” The weather office has indicated that heatwave conditions are likely to persist over parts of southern and central Uttar Pradesh.
