PRAYAGRAJ, June 22 -- Residents of the Sangam city are grappling with a severe heatwave once again, as the mercury crossed the 42.4degC mark on Sunday, 48 hours after a brief spell of rain offered temporary relief. The return of intense heat and rising humidity has triggered widespread discomfort across the city. The soaring temperatures have largely kept residents indoors, leaving normally bustling roads and marketplaces deserted for much of the day. Prof BN Mishra, a noted weather expert and former head of the department of geography at Allahabad University, attributed the temperature spike to the El Nino phenomenon, which is impacting both the Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal branches of the southwest monsoon. "The weather is expected to remain extremely hot and humid for the next three to four days, as there are no indications of the monsoon reaching the Gangetic plains during this period," Prof. Mishra stated. "While the maximum temperature is unlikely to exceed 44degC, the combination of intense heat and high moisture levels will continue to cause significant discomfort." The city has been enduring a prolonged heat spell, with temperatures consistently remaining above 40degC for the past week. Notably, on June 16, 2026, Prayagraj recorded a maximum temperature of 44degC, which was reportedly the highest in the country that day. Prof Mishra further explained that El Nino has disrupted the speed and volume of moisture-laden monsoon winds, delaying the season's arrival. Current estimates suggest the southwest monsoon is unlikely to reach the region until after June 25. IMD has forecast limited relief from the prevailing hot and humid conditions in the coming days, though it noted the possibility of thunderstorms and light rainfall in isolated areas....