Mercury stuck above 45 deg C in several UP cities

Lucknow: Banda remained hottest place in Uttar Pradesh on Sunday as heatwave conditions continued across the state, although several districts recorded a marginal dip of 1 to 2 degrees Celsius in daytime temperatures. The district registered a maximum temperature of 46.8 degrees Celsius, more than three degrees above normal.Several cities in Bundelkhand and central UP continued to record temperatures above 45 degrees Celsius, while warm night conditions added to discomfort in many areas. Among major cities, Prayagraj, Jhansi and Orai recorded the highest maximum temperature at 45.6 degrees Celsius each. Hamirpur followed at 45.2 degrees Celsius, while Kanpur and Aligarh recorded 44.6 degrees Celsius each. Varanasi registered 44.1 degrees Celsius.India Meteorological Department, Lucknow, has forecast mainly dry weather over western UP during the next 24 hours. Eastern parts of the state may witness isolated light rain or thundershowers along with dust-raising winds of 25 to 35 kmph. Heatwave conditions are likely to persist at a few places across the state, while warm night conditions may continue in eastern UP. Thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and gusty winds of 40 to 50 kmph are also likely at isolated places in eastern districts.IMD Lucknow senior scientist Mohammad Danish said temperatures in western and southern UP are likely to remain above normal, while eastern parts may witness a slight dip in mercury levels due to an approaching western disturbance over north India in the coming days. He said the system may provide some relief from the prevailing heat conditions.