New Delhi, May 24 -- Large parts of India remained under intense heat on Sunday, with Uttar Pradesh's Banda once again recording the highest temperature in the country at 46.8 degrees Celsius, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), as weather officials warned that harsh conditions are likely to continue for several more days.
The IMD said heatwave to severe heatwave conditions are expected across central and northwest India over the next seven days, while eastern and adjoining peninsular regions are likely to face similar conditions for the next three to five days. However, the weather office indicated that gradual relief may begin from May 29.
Delhi continued to bake under high temperatures, with the national capital recording a maximum of 43.6 degrees Celsius, which was 3.4 degrees above the seasonal average. Among various weather stations, Ayanagar and Ridge were the hottest at 44.6 degrees Celsius each. Lodhi Road recorded 43.8 degrees, Palam 43.7 degrees, and Safdarjung 43.6 degrees Celsius.
In Uttar Pradesh, temperatures remained high across several cities. Lucknow recorded a maximum of 42.6 degrees Celsius, 2.4 degrees above normal, while the minimum settled at 28.7 degrees Celsius, 3.2 degrees above average.
Banda remained the hottest location in the country at 46.8 degrees Celsius, 3.3 degrees above normal. Prayagraj, Orai and Jhansi each recorded 45.6 degrees Celsius. Agra registered 45.4 degrees, while Hamirpur touched 45.2 degrees Celsius.
Neighbouring Rajasthan also faced severe heat, with temperatures in several areas ranging between 45 and 46 degrees Celsius. Sri Ganganagar recorded the state's highest temperature at 46 degrees Celsius, followed by Vanasthali at 45.1 degrees. Churu registered 44.9 degrees, while Kota, Phalodi and Bikaner each recorded 44.8 degrees. Jaipur touched 43.6 degrees Celsius.
The Jaipur meteorological centre issued a heatwave alert, saying dry weather is likely to continue across most parts of Rajasthan for the next three to four days. Officials warned that temperatures in parts of western Rajasthan may rise further to 46-47 degrees Celsius on May 26 and 27.
Relief may arrive later in the week, with the IMD forecasting a fresh western disturbance from May 28-29. This could bring thunderstorms, winds of 50-60 kmph and light rainfall in some parts of the state. "This is likely to lower maximum temperatures by 2-3 degrees Celsius," the department said.
Haryana and Punjab also remained in the grip of hot weather. Sirsa recorded 46 degrees Celsius, making it Haryana's hottest location. Rohtak logged 45.3 degrees and Bhiwani 44 degrees. Ambala recorded 42 degrees, Hisar 43.8 degrees, Karnal 42.8 degrees and Gurugram 41.7 degrees. Chandigarh recorded 40.9 degrees Celsius.
In Andhra Pradesh, authorities reported mixed conditions, with some districts facing extreme heat while isolated areas may receive rainfall and thunderstorms in the coming days. The Andhra Pradesh State Disaster Management Authority warned that severe heatwave conditions are expected to continue for the next three days.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.