Record-Breaking Heat Sweeps Across Uttar Pradesh
If you thought this May was hotter than usual, you’re not imagining things. On May 21, the mercury in Uttar Pradesh shot up, especially in Jhansi, where it blazed at a staggering 46.1°C. That reading made it one of India’s hottest spots of the day, and placed Jhansi among the top 20 scorched cities nationwide.
It wasn’t just Jhansi feeling the burn. Cities all over Uttar Pradesh reported daytime highs bouncing anywhere between 31°C and 44°C. Northern towns bore the brunt, while in Lucknow, the thermometer didn’t give much relief either—highs peaked at 40.5°C (105°F) and nighttime wasn’t much better, sticking around 28.9°C (84°F).
This isn’t just local discomfort. States like Rajasthan, Haryana, and Madhya Pradesh have also been flagged by the India Meteorological Department (IMD) for sizzling heat, with ten northern and central Indian cities pushing above 44°C. Heat records smashed; roads shimmered in the afternoon sun, and daily life took a hit.
Light Rain Brings Hope—And Warnings
But then, in some towns, the weather threw a curveball. Around Lucknow, light rain showers gave people a few moments of coolness—just enough to ease the sweat and the tension. City weather trackers say Lucknow got a little bit of rain, about 0.02 inches. It felt barely more than a sprinkle, yet for those who braved the streets, it was a sign that relief might be on the horizon.
The IMD says these pre-monsoon showers should keep popping up for the next couple of days. But here’s the real kicker: starting May 23, rainfall is set to pick up statewide. That forecast is the glimmer of hope that everyone’s been waiting for, especially as the ground bakes and power grids strain from sky-high fan and AC use.
Staying hydrated has quickly become the unofficial law of the land. Hospitals in places like Jhansi and Kanpur have seen a jump in heat-related complaints—everything from heatstroke to dehydration. Local officials and news bulletins are putting out constant reminders: keep drinking water, avoid the harshest sun, and check for updates. There’s also the chance that the thunderstorms riding in with the showers could disrupt plans, so people are keeping an eye on alerts before stepping out.
Meanwhile, farmers are especially tuned in to the IMD’s forecasts. Many are waiting for the consistent rainfall needed to restart their work in the fields, hoping that the slow start to the pre-monsoon showers flips into the relief they need to protect crops and themselves from the intense heat.
As May rolls on, all eyes are on the skies, waiting for those promised showers to really make a difference. If the predictions hold, Uttar Pradesh could finally catch a break from the heatwave gripping northern India.
