Heat returns as mercury crosses 40°C in Lucknow

Lucknow: After nearly a week of relatively comfortable weather, the mercury in the state capital crossed the 40 degrees Celsius mark on Sunday, signalling a fresh spell of intense heat. The maximum temperature rose above normal levels, bringing back hot and uncomfortable conditions across the city.The maximum temperature hovered around 40.4 degrees Celsius, about one degree above normal, while the minimum touched around 28.1 degrees Celsius which was about two degrees above normal. However, humidity levels remained high. Maximum humidity was around 71% and the minimum was around 26%, making residents uncomfortable when moving outside.According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Lucknow, temperatures are expected to rise further over the next two days, with the maximum likely to cross 42 degrees Celsius within the next 48 hours. The increase in heat, coupled with humidity, is expected to push the “feels like” temperature even higher.Mohammad Danish, senior scientist at IMD Lucknow, said, “The rise in temperature with humidity levels is likely to continue for a few more days. After that, a fresh western disturbance is approaching North India, which will give some respite from the high temperatures before the monsoon hits the state.”Meanwhile, Banda and Jhansi once again emerged as the hottest places in the state, recording maximum temperatures of 43.2 degrees Celsius each on Sunday. They were followed by Prayagraj, where the mercury climbed to 42.8 degrees Celsius. The maximum temperature reached 42.4 degrees Celsius in Kanpur, Fatehgarh, and Orai. In contrast, the lowest daytime temperatures were recorded in Ballia at 36.8 degrees Celsius and Muzaffarnagar at 37.3 degrees Celsius.The weatherman said that the weather in the state will likely remain dry with mercury levels rising across the state.