Banda world’s hottest city for 2nd time this summer

Lucknow: As intense heat continued across Uttar Pradesh on Monday, Banda emerged as the hottest city in the world for the second time this summer, recording a maximum temperature of 47.6 degrees Celsius, 4.1 degrees above normal. On April 28, Banda had topped the world with mercury touching 47.6 degrees Celsius.

Banda, which comes under Bundelkhand region, was the fifth hottest place in the world on Sunday at 46.4 degrees Celsius. The district was also the hottest place in India for the second consecutive day on Monday.

On Monday, its temperature surpassed global hotspots including Tragen in Libya (46.8°C) and South of Valley University in Egypt (46.2°C), placing it at the top among reported international weather stations.

Met officials said since Banda has a rocky terrain, these rocks get heated and take a long time to cool down. These heated rocks too significantly raise the temperatures.

According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), southern districts of UP remained the worst affected, with Bundelkhand and adjoining central regions experiencing the harshest conditions. Prayagraj recorded 46.8 degrees Celsius, 5.5 degrees above normal, while Jhansi registered 45.7 degrees Celsius and Hamirpur 45.6 degrees Celsius. In eastern and western regions, Varanasi and Bulandshahr each recorded 45 degrees Celsius.

IMD officials said heat conditions are likely to intensify further in the coming days, with hot and dry wind ‘loo’ to sweep across most parts of the state at speed of 40-50 km per hour. The department said clear skies and persistent westerly winds are creating conditions for a prolonged hot spell.

IMD has issued an orange alert for ‘heatwave to severe heatwave’ conditions across UP this week. Heatwave conditions are likely to persist in the southern and central parts of Uttar Pradesh over the next seven days, while western districts are expected to witness warm night conditions for the next two days.

Mohammad Danish, senior scientist at IMD, said, “Such conditions will intensify in the coming days as no active weather system is approaching the state. Since monsoon is expected to reach the south India around May 26, it may bring some respite from the prevailing heat.”