Prayagraj Remains Hottest Spot in Uttar Pradesh Amid Severe Heatwave Conditions
Prayagraj has continued to hold its position as the hottest place in Uttar Pradesh for the second consecutive day, with no relief from the intense heat. The Meteorological Department has issued a critical warning, indicating that 'loo'—dry, scorching winds—will lash several parts of the state over the next four days, starting from Tuesday.
Temperature Soars Across Uttar Pradesh
On Monday, most regions of Uttar Pradesh experienced maximum temperatures soaring above 40 degrees Celsius, with the exception of the Terai belt near Uttarakhand. Prayagraj sizzled at a blistering 44.4 degrees Celsius, which is 4.5 degrees above the normal range for this time of year. Varanasi, specifically at the BHU campus, was not far behind, recording a scorching 44 degrees Celsius.
Other notable hotspots included Sultanpur at 43.3 degrees Celsius and Banda at 43 degrees Celsius. Lucknow, the state capital, also faced oppressive heat, with the maximum temperature reaching 41.6 degrees Celsius—3.1 units above normal. The night brought little respite, as the minimum temperature in Lucknow settled at 24 degrees Celsius, 2.4 notches higher than usual.
Forecast and Heatwave Alert
According to the weather forecast, Lucknow is expected to have clear skies on Tuesday, with maximum and minimum temperatures hovering around 41 and 24 degrees Celsius, respectively. However, the situation may worsen from Wednesday onwards. Mohammad Danish, a senior scientist at the Met department, warned that a heatwave could set in when maximum temperatures rise five or more degrees above normal in certain areas of Uttar Pradesh.
Danish further predicted that night temperatures are likely to remain elevated above normal levels, exacerbating the discomfort for residents. He attributed the harsh weather conditions to an anti-cyclone over Maharashtra, which is influencing wind patterns and driving hot, dry air into the state.
Extended Dry Spell and Wind Patterns
The dry and intensely hot weather is projected to persist until Saturday. Some districts in Uttar Pradesh may experience gusty hot winds originating from the desert regions of Rajasthan, adding to the severity of the heat. This combination of factors—high temperatures, loo winds, and the anti-cyclonic effect—creates a challenging environment for public health and daily activities.
Residents are advised to take necessary precautions, such as staying hydrated, avoiding outdoor activities during peak heat hours, and using cooling measures to mitigate the impact of the heatwave. The Met department continues to monitor the situation closely, providing updates to help communities prepare for the ongoing extreme weather conditions.
