2nd hottest in UP, Prayagraj sizzles at 45.4C

Prayagraj: With the extreme hot conditions continuing to derail routine life of the denizens, Sangam City sizzled at 45.4 degrees on Friday, recording the highest temperature of this month so far. Prayagraj was second hottest in state after Banda, which was hottest in the country at 46.2 degree Celsius. For four days, the city witnessed blistering sun and the mercury crossed the 42-degree mark. The maximum temperature on Thursday was 44.4 degrees Celsius. On Friday, the city recorded maximum temperature at 45.4 degrees Celsius. Even the nights are hot, as the minimum temperature, which was over 25 degrees Celsiuson Tuesday, increased steadily and was 27.2 degrees Celsius on Wednesday. On Friday, it further increased to 28.6 degrees Celsius.

"For the last couple of days, the mercury in the city was hovering around 44 degrees, resulting in extreme hot conditions. As a parent, I have asked my kids to remain indoors and refrain from going outside," said Annirudh Tripathi, a resident of Neem Sarai.

"The weather would remain almost the same in the coming days. Although the city would be hit by intermittent dust storms next week, people would continue to face heatwave until the pre-monsoon showers arrive," said Scientist at Civil Aviation Training College, Bamrauli, Sanjay Agnihotry. The only favourable thing is that the relative humidity is low (37 max and 24 min), which means there is an absence of sultry conditions.

Because of the hot conditions, several markets and parks wear a deserted look all day throughout, and it is only during the evening that kids and visitors are spotted. Likewise, commuters on the roads are seen somehow managing to protect themselves from the heat. Umbrellas, caps, cotton scarves, and goggles come to their rescue.

"The conditions are such that we cannot go shopping during the daytime, and it is only by night that we go out. As everyone comes out at the same time, there is so much crowd and traffic jam everywhere," said Nasreen Fatima, a local of Atala. Because of the prevailing conditions, parents are not letting their kids go outdoors. "Earlier, we used to play until 10 in the morning, but nowadays we are warned by our parents to come back by 7 am only," said Jitesh, a class 8 student.