Lucknow, the capital of Uttar Pradesh, experienced its hottest day of the season so far, with the mercury soaring to 44.3 degrees Celsius on Monday. This marks a significant climatic milestone, breaking a five-year record for May.
The previous record, set in May 2019, was 44.8 degrees Celsius, according to the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD). The oppressive heat is compounded by high humidity levels, which reached 64%. This combination significantly increases the discomfort for residents, with the heat index, or ‘real feel’ temperature, perceived to be around a staggering 50 degrees Celsius. This phenomenon occurs when high humidity levels make the air temperature feel much hotter than the actual recorded temperature. The Met Office in Lucknow explained that the heat index is a crucial measure as it considers both temperature and humidity, providing a more accurate representation of how hot it feels. As of now, the city’s heat index is pushing extreme limits, making daily life arduous for its inhabitants.
Historically, Lucknow’s all-time high for May was recorded on May 31, 1995, at 46.5 degrees Celsius, followed closely by 46.2 degrees on May 28, 1966. Monday’s temperature of 44.3 degrees is still shy of these historical peaks but is notable for being the highest in the past five years. The weather forecast predicts clear skies for the upcoming days with maximum and minimum temperatures hovering around 44 and 30 degrees Celsius, respectively. Additionally, the city is expected to experience warm nights, adding to the residents’ discomfort.
Across Uttar Pradesh, other cities are also reeling under extreme temperatures. Jhansi recorded the highest temperature in the state on Monday at 48.1 degrees Celsius, a mere 0.1 degrees shy of its 40-year record set on May 20, 1984. This year’s peak temperatures in Jhansi also saw a sharp rise with 47.2 degrees on May 19, followed by 46.2 degrees the next day.
Similarly, Agra saw its maximum temperature rise to 47.8 degrees Celsius, just below its 30-year record of 48.5 degrees set on May 31, 1994. On May 19 this year, Agra had already logged a sweltering 47.7 degrees. Other cities in the region, including Kanpur (IAF) at 47.6 degrees, Orai and Hamirpur at 46.2 degrees, and Bulandshahr at 46 degrees, are also facing severe heat conditions. The extreme heatwave conditions across Uttar Pradesh highlight the urgent need for adaptive measures to protect public health and manage the impacts of rising temperatures. The local administration continues to advise residents to stay hydrated and avoid prolonged exposure to the sun as the region grapples with these extraordinary temperatures.
