Uttar Pradesh has been reeling under severe heat for the past four to five days. On Tuesday, Banda recorded 48.2°C for the first time this season, making it the hottest city in the country and the third hottest in the world.
Banda had earlier recorded 49.2°C in 2022. Weather officials say the four-year-old record could be broken in the coming days. Strong sunshine has been reported across most districts since Wednesday morning. Hot winds and rising humidity have made conditions extremely uncomfortable for residents.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a heatwave alert for 53 districts in the state.
Hot winds from Balochistan and Thar desert worsening conditions
According to the IMD, dry and extremely hot winds from Pakistan’s Balochistan region and the Thar desert are directly affecting the plains of north India.
As a result, weather conditions usually seen in late May or June are already being experienced. The department has predicted intense heat across Uttar Pradesh for at least the next 10 days.
Most districts are expected to remain under heatwave conditions, with daytime temperatures likely to range between 45°C and 49°C. People have been advised to avoid going outdoors between 12 noon and 4 pm.
Schools shut in several districts due to heatwave
Amid the severe heat, schools in several districts have been closed. In Mathura, all schools have been shut from May 20 until the start of summer holidays. Camps and special school events have also been banned.
Summer vacations have also been declared in Ambedkar Nagar. In Varanasi, schools up to Class 12 have been closed till May 25. In Kanpur, Agra and Banda, schools up to Class 8 have been shut.
Temple authorities issue advisories
The management of Kashi Vishwanath Temple in Varanasi has advised devotees to avoid visiting during afternoon hours due to the extreme heat. At Banke Bihari Temple in Vrindavan, water is being sprinkled on mats laid on the temple platform to keep them cool for devotees.
iPhones overheat in Lucknow, protests over power cuts
The heat in Lucknow became so intense that iPhones reportedly began showing overheating alerts. Power cuts in several areas also triggered protests by residents late at night.
Senior meteorologist Atul Kumar Singh said weather conditions would remain clear across the state and temperatures in most districts would stay between 45°C and 49°C. He said there was no immediate possibility of relief from the heatwave.
According to him, weather conditions may begin to change after May 29 due to the activation of a new western disturbance. He also said the monsoon could reach Kerala around May 26 and may enter Uttar Pradesh through Gorakhpur around June 18, although the date remains tentative.
Weather forecast for next five days
- May 21- Light showers may occur in some north-eastern parts of eastern UP. Severe heat will continue in western UP.
- May 22- Weather will remain clear in western UP with continuing heatwave conditions. Light rain is possible in eastern UP.
- May 23- Strong sunshine and heatwave conditions will persist in western UP. Rain is likely in parts of Purvanchal.
- May 24- Western UP will witness dry weather with hot winds blowing at speeds of up to 40 kmph. Rain may occur in eastern UP.
- May 25- Hot winds at speeds of around 40 kmph are expected in western UP, further increasing the heat. Thunderstorms and rain may occur in the north-eastern parts of eastern UP.
