LUCKNOW, June 13 -- As sweltering heat continues across Uttar Pradesh, Lucknow recorded its hottest day of the season so far at 44 degrees Celsius on Thursday, said India meteorological department's Lucknow office.

Orai and Banda were the hottest cities in the state with 44.8 degrees Celsius each followed by Jhansi with 44.7 degrees. Agra and Kanpur recorded the temperature of 44.6 degrees Celsius while Varanasi and Prayagraj also sweltered at 44 degrees.

A heat wave alert has been issued for Ghaziabad, Gautam Buddh Nagar, Aligarh, Mathura, Hathras, Agra, Jhansi, Firozabad, Etawah, Auraiya and Jalaun districts. A weatherman said the mercury levels are set to stay higher than normal on Friday and record a gradual decrease from June 14. ...