Severe heat wave wreaks havoc in Uttar Pradesh, mercury reaches 47.6°C in Banda

May 22, 2026

The impact of the intense heat and heat wave continues to increase in Uttar Pradesh. On Thursday, Banda remained the hottest city in the country for the fifth consecutive day, with a temperature of 47.6°C. Strong sunshine and hot winds have troubled people across the state since Friday morning.

By 9:30 a.m., temperatures in Meerut and Jhansi reached 38 degrees Celsius. Women out for a morning walk in Bareilly said they had never experienced such intense heat before.

The Meteorological Department has issued a heatwave alert for 50 districts across the state today. A red alert has been declared for 11 districts, where extremely hot winds and scorching heat are expected. An orange alert has been issued for hot nights in western Uttar Pradesh, and a red alert in eastern Uttar Pradesh. Night temperatures in many areas are expected to hover between 25 and 30 degrees Celsius.

The effects of the heat were also visible at the Kanpur Zoo. Rhinos were seen showering under sprinklers, while tigers and leopards spent the day in the shade of trees and near water. According to officials, continuous water sprinkling and cold food are being provided to the animals.

Special arrangements have been made for heat stroke patients in Lucknow hospitals. A separate 10-bed ward has been set up at the Civil Hospital. Additionally, a three-room cold room area has been created, where air conditioning is continuously running, and ORS and ice packs are available.

According to the Meteorological Department, due to hot and dry winds coming from Balochistan and the Thar Desert in Pakistan, North India is experiencing June-like heat in May itself.