Uttar Pradesh, which is one of the most populated states in India, is not new to extreme weather, especially severe heatwaves in summer. The state's highest temperature recorded was a record 49.2 degrees Celsius in Banda district in the Bundelkhand region.
It was a record-breaking heatwave occurrence that was the hottest day in Uttar Pradesh in over two decades, surpassing all prior records and testifying to the vulnerability of the region to climatic extremities.
Record-Breaking Heat in Uttar Pradesh
The all-time record 49.2°C temperature in Banda occurred in May 2022, breaking a 28-year record. The previous record for Banda was 48.8°C on May 31, 1994. This heat in Banda was part of an extensive heatwave that covered most of Uttar Pradesh, especially the Bundelkhand area, which is characterized by its dry climate and recurrent heatwaves.
Other districts too witnessed intense heat at this time:
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Jhansi saw 47.6°C,
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Agra touched 47.7°C,
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Prayagraj saw 46.9°C
Kanpur and Varanasi recorded temperatures over 46°C.
Prayagraj, especially, has witnessed some of its highest temperatures over the past few years, with a record high of 48.8°C witnessed in 2023, tying its all-time highest max temperature in 128 years of record-keeping.
This points to a trend of rising temperature peaks in the state.
Climatic and Geographical Factors
Uttar Pradesh has a climate with hot summers, with temperatures running above 40°C for most of the months between April and June. Bundelkhand districts covering Banda and Jhansi are especially prone to extreme heat because of their geographical location and arid conditions.
The area mostly witnesses heatwaves because of hot westerly winds from Rajasthan, which is also a major reason for temperature rise.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued several heatwave alerts for the state, particularly during May and June, when temperatures peak.
These heatwaves often bring along severe health risks and increased mortality, particularly among elderly people and children.
Impact and Response
The severe heatwaves in Uttar Pradesh have far-reaching implications for public health, agriculture, and general economic productivity. Heat illnesses and deaths have been recorded during such extreme temperature events.
For example, the 2007 heatwave killed at least 62 people in the state, with Banda registering the highest at 45.5°C.
The state government and health officials have been asked to take pre-emptive action, such as releasing heatwave advisories, making available water, and giving information about the prevention of heatstroke.
| Location | Highest Recorded Temperature | Year | Notes |
| Banda | 49.2°C | 2022 | Highest ever recorded in Uttar Pradesh |
| Prayagraj | 48.8°C | 2023 | Equalled 128-year record |
| Agra | 47.7°C | 2022 | Part of severe heatwave |
| Jhansi | 47.6°C | 2022 | Bundelkhand region |
| Kanpur | 46.1°C | 2022 | Heatwave affected city |
The highest ever temperature of 49.2°C in Banda district highlights the increasing severity of heatwaves in Uttar Pradesh, especially in the Bundelkhand area.
While climate change is likely to aggravate these trends, the state continues to struggle with coping with extreme heat and safeguarding its population.
Unceasing vigilance, early warning systems, and public education are essential to counteracting the ill effects of such extreme weather conditions.
