An increase in the temperatures has raised a heatwave alert in some parts of Uttar Pradesh, and the temperature is likely to reach near 45°C in the next few days. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned that some districts, particularly in the south and east will be subject to extreme conditions of heat conditions during the day.
The alarm is raised because other cities have already reached the 40 degrees Celsius threshold which is an indicator of a severe summer season.
There is a rise in temperatures within major cities
Some of the high temperatures were considerably high on Saturday in several of the districts and some of the regions were already approaching the heatwave levels.
Highest temperatures ever recorded (April 18)
| City | Temperature | Deviation |
|---|---|---|
| Banda | 44.6°C | Among highest |
| Prayagraj | 43.2°C | +3.2°C above normal |
| Jhansi | 43.1°C | Above normal |
| Varanasi | 43°C | High |
| Sultanpur | 42.8°C | High |
| Lucknow | 41°C | Above normal |
| Gorakhpur | 40.7°C | Slightly high |
What these readings suggest is that there are already extensive regions of the state experiencing intense stress due to heat and that the situation will continue to deteriorate.
What is causing the heatwave?
According to weather experts, the increasing temperatures can be blamed on a combination of factors:
- Dry weather conditions inhibiting cloud cover.
- Constant west winds with warm air.
- Heat is trapped by an anticyclonic system over Maharashtra.
A combination of these conditions is stopping the inflow of moisture and letting the heat accumulate gradually throughout Uttar Pradesh.
April 19: weather forecast
Observations of the conditions in the early morning on Sunday indicated that already conditions were warm in most cities, with temperatures reaching the mid-20s.
Cities such as Prayagraj and Jhansi registered an average of about 25°C in the morning, and Gorakhpur registered a higher humidity of about 94% which exacerbated the levels of discomfort. Certain places like Fursatganj and Meerut had already become much warmer even in the early hours.
There are no immediate rainfalls and clear skies are expected in Lucknow with temperatures likely to hit around 42°C during the day.
IMD alert: Likely heatwave
The IMD has particularly cautioned that the isolated places in the southern eastern Uttar Pradesh could experience heatwave conditions in the day time. Temperatures may continue to go up over the coming days as there is a prediction of dry weather.
What to do to remain safe in overheated conditions
Health experts advise taking precautions to avoid heat-related illnesses:
- Keep hydrated and drink a lot of water.
- Do not go out in afternoon hours.
- Wear loosely coloured light clothes.
- Remain in the shady or cool areas.
- Add fruits that contain a lot of water to your diet.
- Apply cooling systems such as fans or cold showers.
- Close attention to children, the aged and the weak.
Such symptoms as dizziness, headache, or nausea should not be overlooked as these symptoms are signs of heat exhaustion.
As temperatures continue to climb and no respite is in sight, the next few days will be a test of perseverance throughout the state. Law enforcement and civilians are making preparations in anticipation of what may be one of the hottest spells of the season to date.
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