City reels at 40.3 degrees; humidity adds to woes

Lucknow: Hot and humid conditions continued to prevail in the city on Monday. The maximum temperature touched 40.3 degrees Celsius, 0.6 notches above normal. The minimum temperature was recorded at 29.7 degrees Celsius, 3 degrees above normal. Relative humidity was also high, 35%-53%, turning weather sultry and uncomfortable.Residents have been advised to avoid prolonged sun exposure during peak afternoon hours and stay hydrated. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), clear skies are likely to prevail over Lucknow and adjoining areas on Tuesday. The maximum and minimum temperatures are expected to remain around 41 and 30 degrees Celsius, respectively.Meanwhile, dry weather conditions prevailed across most parts of the state on Monday, with the IMD issuing a heatwave warning for isolated areas.While Varanasi emerged as the hottest location, recording a maximum temperature of 43.6 degrees Celsius, Banda recorded 42.6 degrees Celsius, while Prayagraj touched 42.5 degrees Celsius.The IMD has forecast mainly dry weather across the state over the next 24 hours, with heatwave conditions likely at isolated places.However, as per IMD, a change in conditions is likely after June 10, as a fresh western disturbance may hit the northern part of the country, causing increased cloud cover, strong winds and light to moderate rainfall.