LUCKNOW, April 12 -- Due to dry weather and winds, the maximum temperatures almost reached 40degC in Uttar Pradesh on Sunday. In Prayagraj, day temperature rose to 39.8 degrees Celsius making it hottest in the state and at BHU, Varanasi, it was 39.3 degrees. The day temperature is further expected to rise above normal with a gradual increase over the coming week, a weatherman said.

Following the onset of dry weather in the state, maximum temperatures have been gradually approaching normal levels, marked by a significant average increase of 7 to 9degC over the past four days, he added.

The spell of strong westerly winds-blowing at speeds of 20-30 km/h during the day (gusting up to 40 km/h)-is expected to subside starting April 14, and gi...