Heatwave singes Varanasi, hot winds fan the flames

Varanasi: Scorching heat coupled with strong surface winds continued to grip the holy city of Varanasi on Saturday, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issuing a heat wave warning and forecasting “strong surface winds during daytime” over the next few days.According to the IMD, the maximum temperature in the city was recorded at 44.7 degrees Celsius, nearly 3.9 degrees above normal, while the minimum temperature settled at 28.6 degrees Celsius, around 2 degrees above the seasonal average.The day began with clear skies, but the intensity of the heat increased steadily as the hours passed. Hot winds started sweeping through the city soon after 9 am, and by 11 am, residents could distinctly feel loo-like conditions. By afternoon, the weather turned extremely harsh, with blazing heat making outdoor movement difficult. Even the nights have now turned uncomfortably warm, though a mild easterly breeze during the early morning hours offered slight respite.“Stepping outside after noon feels like walking into a furnace. Even the wind is burning hot,” said Rajesh Mishra, a resident of Lanka area.Another local, Sunita Devi from Sigra, said, “The heat has become unbearable over the past few days. People are avoiding going out unless it is absolutely necessary.”Shopkeepers and roadside vendors were also seen struggling with the intense weather conditions. “Business has been badly affected as fewer people are venturing out during the afternoon hours,” said Arif Khan, a tea vendor near Godowlia.