Lucknow has recorded a scorching 41.4°C for the first time this year, signaling the onset of an intense heatwave that is expected to continue in southern Uttar Pradesh. With temperatures likely to hover around 40-42°C in the coming days, the region is bracing for even hotter conditions. The high of 41.4°C on Monday marked the first time this year that the mercury in the state capital crossed the 40°C threshold, and weather experts are warning that little relief is in sight for the next four to five days.
On Tuesday, a slight dip in temperatures is possible, but experts are cautious, noting that the heat will persist due to the prevailing westerly winds blowing in from the arid desert regions of Thar. These hot winds are driving the soaring temperatures across the region, according to Mohd. Danish, a senior scientist at the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD). He further pointed out that the maximum temperatures over the next few days are expected to remain around 40-42°C.
Looking ahead, Danish warned that the worst of the summer heat is still to come. “We are only in April, but by May, temperatures could exceed 43-44°C. The peak of this summer is likely to be hotter than last year, with the possibility of temperatures reaching 45°C or even higher,” he said. Along with Lucknow, other cities such as Sultanpur and Ballia have also crossed the 40°C mark for the first time this summer. Several other regions, including Kanpur, Etawah, Varanasi, Banda, Jhansi, and Hamirpur, have already seen similar temperature spikes over the past week, indicating that this heatwave is widespread across the state.
As the heat intensifies, residents are urged to take necessary precautions to stay hydrated and avoid prolonged exposure to the sun, as the scorching temperatures are expected to continue for an extended period.
