Representational Image (Source Internet)
Lucknow: As weather conditions in Uttar Pradesh have turned completely dry, the impact of the heatwave has intensified. According to data released by the Meteorological Department on Monday, temperatures in 26 major cities across the state have crossed the 40°C mark. Due to the severe heat and scorching sun, it has become difficult for people to step out of their homes. The Meteorological Department has warned that temperatures are likely to rise further in the coming days.
Banda district remained the hottest city in the state, recording a maximum temperature of 47.6°C. Meanwhile, in Prayagraj, the temperature was recorded at 46.8°C. The impact of the heat was clearly visible in the capital, Lucknow, as well; here, the maximum temperature was recorded at 43.2°C—three degrees above normal—while the minimum temperature stood at 28.6°C.
According to the Meteorological Department, heatwave conditions are expected to persist in the southern and central parts of the state for the next week. In Western Uttar Pradesh, night-time temperatures are also likely to remain high for the next two days, offering residents no relief from the heat.
The Meteorological Department has issued an 'Orange Alert' for a heatwave in 22 districts of the state for Tuesday. The districts for which the heatwave warning has been issued include Banda, Chitrakoot, Prayagraj, Fatehpur, Pratapgarh, Varanasi, Jaunpur, Ghazipur, Ballia, Kanpur Dehat, Kanpur Nagar, Raebareli, Agra, Firozabad, Etawah, Auraiya, Jalaun, Hamirpur, Mahoba, and Jhansi, along with their surrounding areas.
In view of the rising temperatures, the Banda district administration has also issued a 'Yellow Alert.' Additional District Magistrate Dharmendra Kumar stated that the temperature in the district has consistently hovered between 46°C and 47°C. On Monday, Banda was the hottest district in the country. According to the administration, the weather in the state remains dry due to the absence of any significant weather system; furthermore, with increasing radiative heating, temperatures could rise above 47 degrees Celsius over the next two days.
Advisory Issued to the Public
The administration has appealed to the public to exercise caution amidst the heatwave and severe heat conditions. People have been advised to drink adequate amounts of water, wear light-colored cotton clothing, and cover their heads when venturing out into the sun. Those working outdoors have been asked to periodically wipe their bodies with a damp cloth and to carry water with them while traveling. Additionally, social organizations and volunteers have been urged to come forward to assist the poor, travelers, and animals.
