Uttar Pradesh Sizzles at 47.5°C as Heatwave Tightens Grip Across North India

Large parts of Uttar Pradesh continued to reel under an intense heatwave on Thursday, with Banda emerging as the hottest place in the state at 47.5 degrees Celsius , according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). The extreme temperatures once again underscored how prolonged summer heat is rapidly becoming North India’s longest recurring public emergency , affecting health, livelihoods, infrastructure, and daily life across the region.

The IMD’s Meteorological Centre in Lucknow said Jhansi recorded 46.5°C , followed by Orai at 44.8°C and Agra at 43.3°C . Temperatures remained above 42°C in several districts, including Kanpur, Aligarh, Hamirpur, and Lakhimpur Kheri , while Prayagraj recorded 41°C.

Though Lucknow remained relatively cooler at 37.4°C, the oppressive humidity and warm nights continued to discomfort residents. The minimum temperature in the capital settled at 27.3°C.

Across North India, extreme heat conditions are increasingly stretching for weeks, disrupting schools, outdoor labour, transport systems, and electricity supply. Public health experts warn that recurring heatwaves are no longer isolated weather events but a seasonal emergency disproportionately affecting workers, children, the elderly, and low-income communities with limited access to cooling.

However, the weather office has forecast some relief over the next 24 hours. The IMD predicted rain and thundershowers across many parts of Uttar Pradesh, along with strong winds, lightning, and dust storms. Wind speeds of up to 100 kmph are likely at isolated places in western Uttar Pradesh, while eastern districts may witness winds between 70 and 90 kmph.

The IMD also warned of possible hailstorms and heavy rainfall in isolated western districts. For Lucknow and adjoining areas, the forecast includes generally cloudy skies with intermittent spells of rain or thundershowers, bringing temperatures down to around 34°C.