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Prayagraj: The city continued to reel under intense heat on Saturday, recording a maximum temperature of 45.5°C and a minimum of 22.7°C, making it the hottest day of the season so far. There was no relief from the prevailing heatwave conditions, with hot winds sweeping across the region and keeping residents indoors for most of the day.The sharp rise in temperature has further aggravated discomfort levels, especially during the afternoon hours when the sun remained harsh and unforgiving. Streets and marketplaces wore a deserted look as people avoided stepping out unless absolutely necessary. The impact of the heat was also visible on daily life, with a noticeable dip in outdoor activities.According to IMD, Prayagraj emerged as the second hottest city in Uttar Pradesh on Saturday. Banda topped the list, recording a scorching 47.4°C, while Varanasi followed closely behind Prayagraj at 45.0°C.
The consistently rising temperatures across the region indicate that the heatwave conditions are intensifying.The minimum temperature of 22.7°C also remained above normal, contributing to warm nights and offering little respite even after sunset. Residents reported discomfort during late-night hours, as heat continued to persist indoors despite cooling measures.Weather experts attribute the extreme conditions to dry westerly winds and clear skies, which are allowing maximum solar radiation to reach the surface.
The absence of cloud cover has further worsened the situation, preventing any moderation in daytime temperatures.Health officials have advised people to take precautions, including staying hydrated, avoiding direct exposure to sunlight during peak hours, and wearing light, loose-fitting clothing. Special caution has been urged for children, the elderly, and those with pre-existing health conditions.With no immediate change expected in weather conditions, authorities have urged residents to remain cautious. The ongoing heatwave is likely to persist in the coming days, with temperatures expected to remain above normal, prolonging the spell of extreme heat across Prayagraj and adjoining districts.

