LUCKNOW, May 19 -- A relentless heatwave swept across Uttar Pradesh on Monday, pushing temperatures to alarming levels as Banda recorded 47.6 degrees Celsius for the second straight day, retaining its position as the hottest place in the country, while Lucknow logged its warmest day of the season at 43.2 degrees Celsius.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued an 'Orange Warning' for large parts of the state, forecasting heatwave to severe heatwave conditions in several districts over the next week.

"An Orange alert for heatwave to severe heatwave conditions has been issued for the state once again for the week. Heatwave conditions are expected to persist in the southern and central parts of the state for the next seven days, w...