Lucknow: As intense heat continued across Uttar Pradesh on Monday, Banda emerged as the hottest city in the world for the second time this summer, recording a maximum temperature of 47.6 degrees Celsius, which is 4.1 degrees above normal. On April 28, Banda had previously topped the world with mercury touching 47.6 degrees Celsius.
Banda's Scorching Heat
Banda, located in the Bundelkhand region, was the fifth hottest place in the world on Sunday at 46.4 degrees Celsius. The district also held the title of the hottest place in India for the second consecutive day on Monday. Its temperature surpassed global hotspots including Tragen in Libya (46.8°C) and South of Valley University in Egypt (46.2°C), placing it at the top among reported international weather stations.
Met officials explained that Banda's rocky terrain contributes to the extreme heat. The rocks heat up quickly and take a long time to cool down, significantly raising local temperatures.
Heatwave Across Uttar Pradesh
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), southern districts of Uttar Pradesh remained the worst affected, with Bundelkhand and adjoining central regions experiencing the harshest conditions. Prayagraj recorded 46.8 degrees Celsius, 5.5 degrees above normal, while Jhansi registered 45.7 degrees Celsius and Hamirpur 45.6 degrees Celsius. In eastern and western regions, Varanasi and Bulandshahr each recorded 45 degrees Celsius.
IMD officials stated that heat conditions are likely to intensify further in the coming days, with hot and dry wind ‘loo’ sweeping across most parts of the state at speeds of 40-50 km per hour. The department noted that clear skies and persistent westerly winds are creating conditions for a prolonged hot spell.
Orange Alert Issued
IMD has issued an orange alert for ‘heatwave to severe heatwave’ conditions across Uttar Pradesh this week. Heatwave conditions are likely to persist in the southern and central parts of the state over the next seven days, while western districts are expected to witness warm night conditions for the next two days.
Mohammad Danish, senior scientist at IMD, said, “Such conditions will intensify in the coming days as no active weather system is approaching the state. Since monsoon is expected to reach south India around May 26, it may bring some respite from the prevailing heat.”
