Third-degree heat in UP melts four-year April records

Under the influence of a Western Disturbance, a spell of scattered rainfall is expected to commence in western UP on April 26, move eastward across the state and intensify. This would lead to a 2–4°C drop in temperatures and likely abate heatwave conditions after April 27.

IMD forecast that heatwave conditions were likely to persist across the state until April 27, with the possibility of warm nights in isolated pockets of Western UP.

Lucknow logged 42.5°C as the season’s hottest day so far, with the minimum temperature at 22.6°C. The article noted the next 24 hours could see around 43°C maximum and 26°C minimum.

Heatwave conditions were observed in western UP (Meerut 42.3°C; Shahjahanpur 42.1°C; Aligarh 43.4°C) and in Purvanchal (Hardoi 42.5°C; Varanasi and Prayagraj also in the region) as wind speeds decreased in the afternoon and maximum temperatures rose.

Prayagraj emerged as the hottest city in the country with a maximum of 45.2°C, approaching its all-time April high of 46.8°C recorded on April 29, 2022.

On Friday, April 24, 2026, Prayagraj, Banda and Agra recorded their hottest April days in four years. Prayagraj reached 45.2°C, Banda 44.2°C, and Agra 44.0°C. Lucknow logged 42.5°C, while Varanasi recorded 44.3°C. Seven UP cities saw maximum temperatures above 43°C: Prayagraj, Varanasi (44.3°C), Banda (44.2°C), Hamirpur (44.2°C), Sultanpur (43.8°C), Aligarh (43.4°C) and Fursatganj (43.1°C). IMD issued localised warnings for rising temperatures across western and eastern UP. Heatwave conditions were observed due to decreased afternoon winds and rising maximum temperatures.