Lucknow Records Hottest Day of Summer as Mercury Crosses 40°C Mark
As intense heat conditions gripped the region, Lucknow witnessed its hottest day of the summer season on Saturday, with the mercury soaring past the 40-degree Celsius threshold for the first time this year. The maximum temperature in the city reached 41 degrees Celsius, which is 2.5 units above the normal seasonal average.
Statewide Heat Intensifies with Banda Leading at 44.6°C
Similar scorching conditions were reported across Uttar Pradesh, with Banda district emerging as the hottest spot in the state for the third consecutive day, recording a blistering 44.6 degrees Celsius. This made Banda the second hottest location in the entire country on Saturday, following Rajnandgaon in Chhattisgarh and Wardha in Maharashtra, which both registered 45 degrees Celsius.
The minimum temperature in Lucknow was recorded at 24 degrees Celsius, 2.4 notches above normal, while the daytime heat index made it feel like 43-44 degrees Celsius. These official readings were taken at the state meteorological office observatory located on the outskirts of the city. Within the urban limits, surrounded by concrete structures, the perceived heat was likely even more severe.
Weather Forecast Predicts Further Temperature Rise
According to weather officials, no immediate relief from the heat is expected in the coming days. On Sunday, Lucknow is forecast to have clear skies with maximum and minimum temperatures around 42 and 24 degrees Celsius respectively.
Senior scientist Mohammad Danish from the state meteorological department explained the climatic factors behind the temperature surge: "Clear sky conditions combined with hot and dry westerly winds blowing from the desert regions of Rajasthan are responsible for the rise in mercury levels. Additionally, an anti-cyclonic circulation over central India has contributed to increasing temperatures across the region."
Heatwave Alert Issued for Southern and Eastern UP
Danish predicted that temperatures would continue to rise over the next 2-3 days throughout Uttar Pradesh, with isolated heatwave conditions likely in southern and eastern parts of the state. A heatwave is officially declared when temperatures rise five or more degrees above normal.
Following Banda, Prayagraj was the second hottest location in Uttar Pradesh with 43.2 degrees Celsius. Other cities experiencing extreme heat included:
- Jhansi: 43.1°C
- Varanasi (BHU): 43°C
- Agra: 42.9°C
- Sultanpur: 42.8°C
- Hamirpur: 42.2°C
- Azamgarh: 42.1°C
- Rae Bareli: 42°C
- Barabanki and Mirzapur: 41.6°C each
- Gorakhpur and Ayodhya: 41.5°C each
- Aligarh and Kanpur (IAF): 41.4°C each
Several other districts recorded temperatures above 40 degrees Celsius, including Bahraich (41°C), Hardoi (40.5°C), Orai (40.4°C), Bareilly (40.3°C), and Ballia and Basti (40°C each).
The persistent heatwave conditions across Uttar Pradesh have raised concerns about public health and safety, with authorities advising residents to take necessary precautions against heat-related illnesses.
