Lucknow is waking up to one of its harshest April mornings in recent memory. The sun was blazing by 8 am Saturday, with the thermometer already at 30 degrees Celsius — and the day is only going to get
worse. The Meteorological Department has forecast a maximum of 43 degrees Celsius for the city, accompanied by hot, dry winds through the day. A heatwave alert is in place for April 25 and 26.
How Bad Was Friday
Friday gave little reason for hope either. Lucknow recorded a maximum of around 43 degrees Celsius — 3.4 degrees above normal. The minimum was 22.6 degrees, marginally above normal.
Humidity swung between a high of 53 percent and a punishing low of 11 percent, making the air feel parched and relentless.
The Wider Picture Across UP
Lucknow is not alone. Banda recorded the highest temperature in the state at 44.2 degrees Celsius, while Sultanpur hit 43.4 degrees and Prayagraj reached 43.2 degrees.
Heatwave conditions were recorded on Friday across Meerut, Agra, Shahjahanpur and Aligarh in western UP, and Hardoi, Varanasi and Prayagraj in Purvanchal.
Temperatures across Uttar Pradesh are consistently hovering between 42 and 47 degrees Celsius, placing them under heatwave warnings. Hot nights are also possible in parts of western UP, offering little respite even after sundown.
When Will It Ease
A change is expected from Sunday. A western disturbance is forecast to bring light rain to western Uttar Pradesh from April 26, gradually moving eastward.
Light rain along with thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds is expected between April 26 and 28, The Tribune which should pull temperatures down by 2 to 4 degrees Celsius.
Meaningful relief from the heatwave is expected after April 27. Until then, residents are advised to stay indoors during afternoon hours, keep hydrated, and avoid direct exposure to the sun.
