Heatwaves to Scorch Uttar Pradesh From June 7; Prayagraj to See 45°C Mercuries

Jan 10, 2024

Tuesday, June 6: As the ongoing rain spell dissipates over the northwestern states, heatwaves have begun to make an unfortunate countrywide reappearance. Over the next few days, Uttar Pradesh will join the roster of states struck by the blistering phenomenon.

Severe heatwaves have been scorching the neighbouring states of Bihar, West Bengal and Jharkhand for the past few days. Now, in the absence of significant rain-bearing western disturbances, so will many districts of Uttar Pradesh.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast heatwave conditions in some pockets of East Uttar Pradesh from Wednesday to Friday (June 7-9). The scorching will then move westwards, searing West Uttar Pradesh from Thursday to Friday (June 8-9).

While conditions have been forecasted to remain mostly dry this week, cloudier skies with a slight chance of drizzle towards the weekend could provide some districts with minor respite.

Nevertheless, exceptionally high temperatures promise to make conditions insufferable in many prominent cities. Residents of Prayagraj in East Uttar Pradesh will have to endure daytime mercuries spiking to 45-46°C this week. Even minimum temperatures will hover around an unpleasant 30°C in the city for the next few days.

Moving westwards, conditions are somewhat more bearable, but still excruciating. Maximum temperatures will likely waver around 41-42°C in both Lucknow and Kanpur this week and into the weekend.

However, this east-west cooling trend does not carry over to other cities. Agra near the western Uttar Pradesh border will also have to endure severe heat this week, with temperatures climbing as high as 45°C on some days, straying to 43°C on others.

Under these searing conditions, IMD has placed East Uttar Pradesh on a yellow watch (meaning be updated on the hazardous weather) for heatwaves from Wednesday to Saturday (June 7-10). West Uttar Pradesh will join in this alert from Thursday onwards.

The IMD declares a heatwave in the plains when the local temperature is expected to cross 40°C and simultaneously rise 5-6°C above the region's average temperature. A severe heat wave is declared when the temperature deviation is 6.5°C above normal.

Physical exertion, discomfort, dehydration, heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke are all very likely during severe heatwave conditions.

Therefore, locals of the affected area should refrain from going outside, especially during the afternoon hours, especially if they are young, old, or have pre-existing morbidities. If you must go outside, remember to stay hydrated and dress in breathable, lightweight clothing made of natural materials.

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