LUCKNOW, June 17 -- Uttar Pradesh is reeling under intense heat as a delayed monsoon and the absence of active weather systems send temperatures soaring across the state. On Tuesday, Prayagraj recorded a maximum temperature of 44degC, making it the hottest city in the country, while Varanasi followed closely behind at 43degC. According to the regional meteorological centre, Lucknow, the outlook for the coming days remains grim. With no significant weather activity expected, temperatures are forecast to rise further, with heatwave conditions likely to emerge in several regions over the next four to five days. While there is a slight possibility of isolated thunderstorms or light drizzle, these sporadic events are unlikely to provide substantial relief. The much-anticipated southwest monsoon is officially set to miss its expected arrival date of June 18 in Uttar Pradesh. Confirming this, Atul Kumar Singh, a senior scientist at the regional meteorological centre, stated, "As of now, it will take at least a good week for the monsoon to reach UP." The normal trajectory for the monsoon sees it entering the state through the eastern districts of Ballia and Gorakhpur after crossing Bihar and Jharkhand. However, the pattern has shifted in recent years. In 2024 and 2025, the monsoon entered through the southern districts bordering Madhya Pradesh, such as Lalitpur and Sonbhadra, driven by an unusually active Arabian Sea branch. Heat remains severe across the state, with the following maximum temperatures recorded: Prayagraj- 44degC, Varanasi (BHU)- 43degC, Banda- 42.6degC, Jhansi- 42.5degC and Hamirpur- 42.2degC. In Lucknow, the maximum temperature settled at 40.1degC with a minimum of 27.1degC. The forecast for the state capital predicts clear skies, with mercury levels expected to climb to around 42degC for the maximum and 28degC for the minimum. The meteorological department has issued a warning for thunderstorms and lightning, accompanied by gusty winds reaching speeds of 40-50 kmph, at isolated locations in West UP....