Prayagraj continued to experience intense heatwave conditions on Friday, marking the third consecutive day as the second hottest location in Uttar Pradesh. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the maximum temperature in the Sangam City reached 46.2 degrees Celsius, marginally lower than Banda's 46.4 degrees Celsius, which was the highest in the state.
Temperature Trends and Comparisons
The daytime temperature on Friday dipped by 0.4 degrees Celsius compared to Thursday's 46.6 degrees Celsius but remained 4.9 degrees above normal. The minimum temperature settled at 26.4 degrees Celsius, offering some relief as it fell by 3 degrees Celsius from Thursday's 29.4 degrees Celsius. Despite this, the night was still unusually warm and uncomfortable for residents.
Impact on Daily Life
From early morning, harsh sunlight and blistering hot winds forced people to stay indoors. Roads and marketplaces appeared deserted during peak afternoon hours. Residents described the hot winds as feeling like air from a blower, making even brief outdoor activities difficult. However, traffic conditions improved after the lawyers' agitation road blockade ended before Friday noon, lifting restrictions near the Government Press crossing and adjoining roads. Commuters had faced massive jams under the scorching sun over the previous two days.
Demand for cold drinks, sugarcane juice, and shikanji remained high at roadside stalls as people sought relief from the oppressive weather. Even coolers and fans provided little comfort during the afternoon due to high relative humidity, which ranged between 16% and 57%.
Weather Warning and Advisory
The Met department has warned that heatwave conditions are likely to persist in Prayagraj and adjoining districts over the next few days. A red alert issued by the IMD for the region remains in force. Authorities advise people to avoid unnecessary exposure to direct sunlight during daytime hours.
Rajeev Mani, who has been working in TOI's Prayagraj bureau for two decades, covers beats from education to excise and taxation to aviation. He has extensively covered two Ardh Kumbhs (2007 and 2019) and two Maha Kumbhs (2013 and 2025), along with various assembly and general elections.
