Uttar Pradesh is experiencing extreme heatwave conditions, with high temperatures and hot winds disrupting daily life across the state. The Meteorological Department has warned that temperatures in some districts may reach up to 49 degrees Celsius in the coming days, affecting health, electricity supply, water availability, and routine activities.
Banda was recorded as the hottest city in the country for the third consecutive day, with temperatures crossing 47 degrees Celsius. Roads remained nearly deserted during the afternoon, while people venturing out for essential work were seen covering their heads and faces. In several areas, residents stood under tree shade and near coolers outside shops to seek relief from the heat.
The impact of the heatwave has also been observed among animals and birds. Monkeys, cows, and dogs were seen searching for water in several areas. A video circulating widely on social media shows a cobra wrapped around a bottle of ice, which users have described as an example of the severity of the heat.
In Lucknow, prolonged power cuts amid high temperatures increased difficulties for residents. Electricity outages lasting several hours reportedly caused distress through the night, forcing people to sit outside in streets and lanes due to heat and humidity. Late at night, residents gathered at a power house and protested, raising slogans against the electricity department and accusing officials of negligence. Police from two police stations were called to control the situation.
Residents said power cuts were worsening conditions for children and elderly people. Several households reported inverter failures, while water supply was also affected. People alleged that complaints were not being addressed promptly.
Agra recorded a temperature of 44.5 degrees Celsius. The heat also affected visitor turnout at the Taj Mahal, with tourist numbers reportedly lower than on normal days. The Taj Mahal premises appeared nearly empty during the afternoon, while visitors who arrived were seen covering their heads and carrying water bottles.
Kanpur also reported severe conditions, with temperatures crossing 44 degrees Celsius. Hot winds reduced movement during the afternoon, leaving roads largely deserted. In some areas, people gathered at metro stations and malls to escape the heat. Authorities decided to close schools up to Class 8 until May 31.
Temperatures in several cities, including Varanasi, Prayagraj, Gorakhpur, and Jhansi, remained close to 45 degrees Celsius. Hot winds discouraged residents from leaving their homes after 10 a.m.
Schools have been shut in 14 cities of Uttar Pradesh due to the heatwave. In some places, classes up to Class 8 have been suspended, while in others, closures extend up to Class 12. Parents said sending children to school in such weather was unsafe and welcomed the closures.
Hospitals have reported a rise in patients suffering from dehydration, heat stroke, fever, and vomiting and diarrhoea. Doctors said water loss from the body was increasing rapidly and advised people to stay hydrated. Children and elderly people were advised to take additional precautions.
The Meteorological Department issued a heatwave alert for the coming days and said conditions may worsen in districts of western Uttar Pradesh and the Bundelkhand region. Red and orange alerts have been issued in several districts.
The heatwave has increased electricity and water consumption across the state. Electricity demand has reached record levels in several cities, overloading transformers and increasing faults and power cuts. Water supply systems are also under pressure, with residents in some areas relying on tankers and hand pumps.
People continued sharing photographs and videos related to the heat on social media, with some claiming eggs could be fried on roads and others reporting difficulty touching car seats and motorcycle handles. Several users wrote that they had not witnessed such heat in many years.
Experts said rising temperatures are increasing rapidly due to climate change and continued urbanisation. They said tree cutting and expanding use of concrete have made cities hotter and warned that heatwave events may become more severe in the coming years.
The state continues to await rainfall and the monsoon. According to weather scientists, pre-monsoon activity may begin after the second week of June, but until then residents are expected to face continued heatwave conditions. Authorities have urged people to take precautions, remain indoors during the afternoon, and drink adequate water.
