The delay in the onset of the monsoon in Uttar Pradesh has intensified heatwave conditions across the state, with residents facing severe heat and humidity. The Meteorological Department has issued a heatwave alert for 38 districts on Monday, while forecasting light rainfall in Mau, Ghazipur, Ballia, Chandauli and Sonbhadra. Weather experts said the arrival of the monsoon in the state may take a few more days.
Uttar Pradesh continues to await the arrival of the monsoon in the final week of June. The monsoon, which typically reaches the state by June 20, remains stalled near the Uttar Pradesh-Bihar border this year. The slow progress of the monsoon has resulted in intense sunshine, hot winds and high humidity across most districts.
Several districts experienced b sunshine from Monday morning. Despite intermittent cloud cover, there was no relief from the heat. According to the Meteorological Department, severe heat conditions may persist across the state for the next three days.
The Meteorological Department has issued a heatwave alert for 38 districts in the state. Light rainfall accompanied by thunderstorm activity has been forecast in the eastern Uttar Pradesh districts of Mau, Ghazipur, Ballia, Chandauli and Sonbhadra.
Experts said limited rainfall activity is unlikely to provide substantial relief from heat and humidity. Strong hot winds may occur during afternoon hours in several districts.
During the past 24 hours, Prayagraj was the hottest city in the state with a maximum temperature of 42.5 degrees Celsius. Varanasi recorded 42.4 degrees Celsius, Bahraich 42 degrees Celsius and Jhansi 41.8 degrees Celsius.
The impact of the heat continues in Lucknow as well. According to the Meteorological Department, the city's maximum temperature may reach around 42 degrees Celsius. The department has advised people to step outdoors during afternoon hours only if absolutely necessary.
According to meteorologists, the monsoon has remained stationary near the Uttar Pradesh-Bihar border for the past 10 to 12 days. However, the activation of a weather system over the Bay of Bengal has increased the likelihood of further advancement.
The monsoon is expected to gain momentum after June 23 and may enter Uttar Pradesh through Maharajganj between June 25 and 26. Rainfall activity is expected to increase across several parts of the state thereafter, which may lead to a decline in temperatures.
The delay in the monsoon has begun affecting agricultural activity. Sowing of kharif crops is being impacted, and farmers in several areas are relying on tube wells for irrigation. Experts believe that if adequate rainfall is not received by the end of June, production of paddy, pulses and other crops could be affected.
There are also concerns about a possible increase in foodgrain and vegetable prices. The Meteorological Department said rainfall during July and August will be important for agriculture and the rural economy in the coming months.
According to the Meteorological Department, heat conditions are expected to persist across most regions until June 23 and 24. Rainfall activity may increase in eastern Uttar Pradesh from June 25. Good rainfall is likely in several districts on June 26 and 27, which may bring down temperatures and provide relief from the heat.
