Lucknow/Jhansi/Prayagraj/Gorakhpur/Varanasi, April 19 -- Isolated pockets of the southern region in eastern UP experienced heatwave (loo)-like conditions on Saturday with Banda recording a day temperature of 44.6deg C (4.1 degrees above normal), making it the hottest city in the state. "In view of the likelihood of a marginal increase in temperatures over the next 2 to 3 days there is a possibility of heatwave (loo) conditions occurring in isolated pockets of the southern region of eastern Uttar Pradesh," said a senior scientist at Lucknow Met office. The maximum temperature in Lucknow crossed the 40degC mark. The day and night temperatures in the state capital were 41degC and 24degC. Last year, the highest day temperature in Lucknow was 43degC recorded on April 25. The forecast for Lucknow is clear sky. The day and night temperatures will be around 42degC and 24degC, respectively, on Sunday. Banda was the hottest in the country on Friday with day temperature clocking 45.4degC, 4.9 degrees above normal. There was a little respite on Saturday at 44.6degC. Orai and Hamirpur are also facing intense heat conditions. On Saturday, Orai recorded 40.4degC, while Hamirpur clocked 42.2degC. Jhansi district along with other parts of Bundelkhand region simmered under intense heat on the second day on Saturday. Roads were deserted during the day with the day temperature being 43.1degC. In Prayagraj, mercury soared to 43.2degC, while the minimum temperature settled at 24.6degC-nearly 1.5degC above normal. Residents of Gorakhpur have been reeling under soaring temperatures and high humidity pushing conditions close to heatwave levels. The continuous rise in temperature and scorching sunlight have prompted district administrations and health officials to take preventive steps. According to the meteorological department, the maximum temperature in Gorakhpur on Saturday was 40.7degC. Similar temperatures were reported in Deoria, Sant Kabir Nagar, and Basti. At Varanasi BHU, the day temperature rose to 43degC and at Varanasi (Airport) it was 41.8degC. From Asi ghat to Rajendra Prasad Ghat, Dashwamedh ghat, Sheetla Ghat, and other ghats wear a completely deserted look. The KV Temple Trust has made special arrangements for the devotees. Arrangements of drinking water, mat on the floor and sheds have been put in place, says Kashi Vishwanath Temple Trust officials....