Sweltering Heatwave Scorches Northern India

An intense spell of heat gripped several states on Tuesday, as Uttar Pradesh's Banda district once again topped the country's temperature chart at 47.4 degrees Celsius, according to the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD).

Apart from Banda, five other districts in Uttar Pradesh recorded temperatures above 45 degrees Celsius. Orai's maximum temperature was at 45.8 degrees Celsius, Jhansi at 45.5 degrees, Prayagaraj at 45.4 degrees, Agra at 45.3 degrees, and Hamirpur at 45.2 degrees Celsius.

In Rajasthan, Sri Ganganagar recorded the highest maximum temperature at 47 degrees Celsius, making it the hottest place in the state. Bikaner and Phalodi followed closely at 46 degrees Celsius each, while Jaisalmer recorded 45.6 degrees Celsius and Kota 45.4 degrees Celsius.

In Maharashtra, several districts in the Vidarbha region experienced temperatures of above 45 degrees Celsius. Brahmapuri, sharing the top spot in the IMD temperature list with Banda district, saw mercury soaring to 46.6 degrees Celsius, 3.5 notches above normal.

City residents are expected to get some respite from May 29 onwards, with the weather office predicting thunderstorms and rain activity.

(With inputs from agencies.)