The India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Wednesday issued a heatwave warning for several districts in Uttar Pradesh as temperatures soared beyond 40 degrees Celsius, triggering public health concerns and emergency measures across the state.
According to the IMD, severe heatwave conditions are expected to continue till Sunday, with dry weather persisting particularly in eastern Uttar Pradesh. The alert covers districts including Banda, Chitrakoot, Ghazipur, Mau, Ballia, Deoria, Gorakhpur, Sant Kabir Nagar, Maharajganj, Gonda, Siddharthnagar, Balrampur, Shravasti, Bahraich, and Ambedkarnagar. The state government has instructed local administrations to enforce necessary precautions, while the health department has been placed on alert to manage heat-related illnesses. Cooling shelters, public awareness drives, and emergency medical provisions are expected to be activated.
Varanasi emerged as the hottest city on Wednesday, registering 43°C, 2.7 degrees above normal. The state capital Lucknow reported a maximum of 40.9°C and a minimum of 26°C, while Barabanki, Kanpur, Prayagraj, Sultanpur, Hamirpur, Agra, and Ghazipur also recorded daytime temperatures near 42°C, IMD data showed. Adding to the discomfort, night temperatures remained elevated, ranging between 25°C and 28°C in most regions, offering minimal relief from the oppressive heat. Meteorological officials said that dry weather will likely persist on Friday, with high chances of heatwave conditions, particularly in the eastern parts of the state.
Citizens have been advised to avoid prolonged sun exposure, stay hydrated, and monitor vulnerable individuals including children, the elderly, and outdoor workers. As summer intensifies, officials are closely monitoring the situation, with additional advisories expected in the coming days.
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