India, May 22 -- With Banda baking at nearly 48 degrees Celsius and a severe heatwave tightening its grip across Uttar Pradesh, authorities in the district have switched traffic signals to "free flow" mode during peak afternoon hours so commuters are not forced to wait under the scorching sun.

The move comes as Banda recorded 47.6degC yesterday, making it the hottest place in India, while temperatures in the district have remained above 45degC for almost a week.

"Key reasons include direct sunlight due to proximity to the Tropic of Cancer, clear skies, plateau terrain with low soil moisture, drying rivers, deforestation, and mining," meteorologist Dr Dinesh told ANI.

Addl. SP (Banda district) Shivraj Prajapati says, "On one hand, traff...