India’s hottest city Banda switches off traffic signals amid heatwave

As Banda sizzles at nearly 48°C, authorities have switched traffic lights to ‘free flow’ mode during peak afternoon hours to spare commuters from waiting under the blazing sun.

Banda: With temperatures soaring close to 48 degrees Celsius, the Uttar Pradesh district of Banda has introduced a unique measure to help residents cope with the ongoing heatwave. Authorities have temporarily switched major traffic signals to “free flow” mode during peak afternoon hours to reduce the time commuters spend waiting under direct sunlight.

Banda recorded 47.6°C on Thursday, making it the hottest location in the country. The district has been experiencing temperatures above 45°C for nearly a week, prompting officials to adopt emergency heat-relief measures.

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Traffic Signals Disabled During Peak Heat Hours

According to district officials, traffic lights at major intersections are being temporarily bypassed during the afternoon when heat conditions are at their worst. The signals continue to function normally during morning and evening hours.

With temperatures touching 47.6°C, Banda- India’s hottest city right now has switched traffic signals to “free flow” mode during peak afternoon hours to protect commuters from the scorching heat. #Heatwave #UttarPradesh #IndiaWeather #ExtremeHeat #WeatherUpdate

— Dynamite News (@DynamiteNews_) May 22, 2026

Officials said the decision was taken to minimise inconvenience for commuters and reduce exposure to extreme temperatures.

Additional Superintendent of Police Shivraj Prajapati stated that traffic personnel deployed on roads have also been provided with umbrellas and protective scarves to cope with the intense heat.

Shelters and Public Relief Measures Introduced

The district administration has set up temporary shelters at key intersections and busy public areas to provide relief to pedestrians and motorists. Residents have also been seen relying on roadside water stalls and sherbet vendors to stay hydrated amid the relentless heat.

Meteorologists attribute Banda’s extreme temperatures to several factors, including direct exposure to sunlight due to its geographical location, dry terrain, low soil moisture, shrinking rivers, deforestation and mining activities.

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Local residents have also linked rising temperatures to unchecked tree cutting and illegal sand and stone mining in the region.

Red Alert Issued Across Uttar Pradesh

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a severe heatwave red alert across Uttar Pradesh for the next three days, followed by an orange alert. Warm night conditions have also been forecast in several districts.

The weather department warned that heatwave to severe heatwave conditions are likely to continue across large parts of northwest, central and eastern India over the next week. Eastern Uttar Pradesh and parts of Madhya Pradesh are expected to remain among the worst-affected regions.