Severe heatwaves in UP have shattered power demand, surpassing 27,000 MW.
Photo: IANS
Severe heat has begun to rapidly impact Uttar Pradesh, with day and night temperatures steadily rising. At least 13 districts recorded maximum temperatures of 42 degrees Celsius or above, indicating a severe heat pattern developing in the state.
Severe heatwaves in UP have shattered power demand, surpassing 27,000 MW.
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Minimum temperatures were recorded at 26.8 degrees Celsius in Moradabad, 26.4 degrees Celsius in Lakhimpur Kheri, 26.2 degrees Celsius in Hamirpur and 26 degrees Celsius in Fatehgarh.
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Several cities in Uttar Pradesh featured among the country’s hottest on Wednesday. Banda ranked third with 43.8 degrees Celsius, followed by Prayagraj in fourth place at 43.7 degrees Celsius and Sultanpur in sixth place at 43.3 degrees Celsius.
Varanasi (BHU) recorded a temperature of 43.1 degrees Celsius, making it the eighth hottest city, while Agra ranked ninth with a temperature of 43 degrees Celsius.
The capital city of Lucknow recorded maximum and minimum temperatures of 41.1 and 24.5 degrees Celsius, respectively.
According to the Meteorological Department, clear skies are expected in Lucknow, and the maximum temperature is expected to hover around 42 degrees Celsius and the minimum temperature around 25 degrees Celsius in the coming days.
According to meteorologists, clear skies, strong solar radiation, and low wind speeds have contributed to the heat throughout the day, keeping temperatures consistently high. There is little hope of relief in the coming days, so people have been advised to remain vigilant.
Meanwhile, with the increasing heat in Uttar Pradesh, power demand has begun setting new records ahead of schedule. The state’s power demand has surpassed 27,000 MW, a mark typically seen in May-June. This indicates that this summer could be longer and more intense.
According to official data, while power demand was 21,618 MW on April 10, it increased to 27,272 MW at 10:22 pm on Tuesday (April 21). Experts believe that such high demand in April alone is unusual and indicates further pressure in the coming months.
According to officials of the Uttar Pradesh Power Corporation Limited (UPPCL), power demand could exceed 33,000 MW in May-June. If the monsoon remains weak, demand may rebound in August and September. In 2025, the state’s peak demand was recorded at 32,068 MW, the highest in the country.
However, despite the rising demand, UPPCL claims that there is currently no shortage of power supply. According to the department, plans have been made to keep approximately 34,000 MW of power available.
About 80 percent of the total demand will be met through long-term power purchase agreements, while the remaining power will be purchased from the Indian Energy Exchange, Power Exchange India Limited, and Hindustan Power Exchange. Banking arrangements for 4,663 million units have also been established with other states.
To strengthen power supply, new thermal units have been commissioned in Ghatampur, Khurja, Panki, Obra, and Jawaharpur, while another unit in Ghatampur is expected to be operational by the end of April.
However, concerns are growing about the distribution system compared to production. Complaints of blown transformers, melted cables, and frequent power outages have surfaced in several cities, including Lucknow.
Experts say that if timely repairs are not made, local supply disruptions could occur amid rising demand.
On the other hand, the power supply issue has also become politically sensitive ahead of the assembly elections. Prolonged power outages could lead to public discontent.
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