Uttar Pradesh is reeling under intense heat-wave conditions, with Banda remaining the hottest city in the country for the third consecutive day. The city recorded a blistering 48.2 degrees Celsius on Tuesday, 4.7 degrees above normal.
Banda had recorded temperatures of 47.6 degrees Celsius and 46.4 degrees Celsius over the previous two days as well.
The Lucknow Meteorological Centre has issued a red alert for severe heat-wave conditions for May 20 and 21. The warning applies to 11 districts, including Banda, Chitrakoot, Prayagraj, Fatehpur, Agra, Firozabad, Etawah, Jalaun, Hamirpur, Mahoba, and Jhansi.
Mohammad Danish, Senior Scientist at the Meteorological Centre, said, “Heat-wave to severe heat-wave conditions are likely to prevail during the day in many parts of southern Uttar Pradesh and in some other regions of the state.” He added that nights are also expected to remain unusually hot in some areas, offering little relief from the scorching daytime temperatures.
The department has also warned of severe heat-wave conditions in 14 districts, including Kaushambi, Pratapgarh, Chandauli, Varanasi, Ballia, Kanpur Dehat, Kanpur City, Rae Bareli, Auraiya, and Lalitpur.
The weather is expected to remain dry across the state, with strong surface winds blowing at speeds of 20 to 40 km per hour. Nights are likely to remain hot in western Uttar Pradesh for the next 48 hours, following which an orange alert may be issued.
On Tuesday, several cities in Uttar Pradesh recorded temperatures above 40 degrees Celsius. Jhansi and Agra registered 46.5°C, Prayagraj 45.8°C, Orai 45.2°C, Kanpur IAF 44.8°C, Kanpur City 44°C, Meerut 43.6°C, Aligarh 43.4°C, Churk 43.2°C, and Etawah 43°C.
Lucknow recorded a maximum temperature of 40.9°C and a minimum temperature of 27.8°C. The city’s maximum and minimum temperatures on Wednesday are expected to hover around 42°C and 28°C respectively.
Meanwhile, a report from Varanasi said that the rising heat-wave and humidity have caused immense discomfort to residents and visitors alike.
However, neither heat nor harsh weather has diminished the faith of devotees. Despite the intense heat, devotees continue to throng the Shri Kashi Vishwanath Dham for darshan and puja.
The Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple Trust has made special arrangements to provide relief to devotees visiting the shrine. ORS solution and glucose are being distributed at multiple locations across the temple complex to help visitors cope with the heat.
The Temple Trust has also arranged a health centre, ambulances, and trained personnel to handle emergencies or any adverse situations. Devotees who fall ill are immediately provided medical assistance and shifted to hospitals for treatment if required.
Executive Officer Vishwa Bhushan Mishra said that high-quality jute mats have been laid across the shrine complex to protect devotees’ feet from the scorching floor. German hangers and tensile structures have also been installed to provide adequate shade along the darshan route. Mist fans have been set up to reduce heat and provide cooling relief to devotees.
At present, severe heat-wave conditions continue across Varanasi district, with temperatures ranging between 43 and 45 degrees Celsius. Despite the extreme weather, devotees’ unwavering faith in Baba Shri Kashi Vishwanath remains undeterred. On average, around 1.5 lakh devotees visit the Shri Kashi Vishwanath Dham daily for darshan.
Keeping in mind the convenience, safety, and health of devotees, the Temple Trust has ensured extensive arrangements within the Dham complex. Purified RO water coolers have been installed at various points in accordance with the Trust’s SOPs. In areas where water coolers are unavailable, cold water is being provided through large earthen pots, while temple staff continuously distribute drinking water to devotees.
The Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple Trust has appealed to devotees to avoid visiting during the extremely hot afternoon hours and to begin their journey only after consuming adequate food and water at home. Elderly devotees, the infirm, and those suffering from health issues have been advised to exercise special caution.