Uttar Pradesh: On Monday, the weather was completely different. On one hand, the scorching heat scorched many districts, while on the other hand, storm, rain and hailstorms created panic in some areas.Many cities of the state were in the grip of intense heat on Monday.
The mercury crossed 42 degrees Celsius in Kanpur, Hamirpur and Jhansi, which proved to be the hottest day of this season so far.At the same time, temperatures above 40 degrees were recorded in 9 cities like Lucknow, Prayagraj, Agra, Varanasi, Mahoba, Chitrakoot, Fatehpur, Raebareli and Banda.
The temperature in the capital Lucknow reached 41 degrees Celsius at 2:30 pm. Due to the heat wave, it became difficult for people to leave their homes.At the same time, the weather suddenly changed in Bijnor district of western Uttar Pradesh. On Monday afternoon, hailstorm started suddenly along with strong storm and torrential rain. The heavy hailstones covered the ground with a white sheet about 3 inches thick.
In many areas, the intensity of the hailstones was so much that electric poles and trees were uprooted.Tin roofs of many houses were damaged. Electricity supply was disrupted for hours in the city and rural areas. The most damaged were the wheat and sugarcane crops standing in the fields, which were completely ruined due to heavy hailstorm and rain.
Due to the intense heat, the administration also had to change the school timings. On the orders of the District Magistrate in Agra and Mahoba districts, the closing time of all schools up to class 8 has been changed to 12 noon, so that children can be saved from the intense afternoon sun.
A 100 KVA transformer caught fire in Bulandshahr’s Bisa Colony due to heat and increased load on the transformer. The fire was so intense that the fire brigade team had to struggle a lot to reach the spot. The fire was controlled in time, but an atmosphere of fear was seen among the local people.
In Varanasi too, the heat wave has disturbed the normal life of the people. On Monday, the health of a tourist from Japan suddenly deteriorated due to the scorching sun. A tourist named Takiya fainted and fell while walking in the scorching sun.
The local people immediately picked him up and took him to Marwari Hospital, where the doctors referred him to the divisional hospital after primary treatment.The Meteorological Department has issued a warning for the coming two days.
The department says that the effect of heat wave will be visible in most of the districts of Bundelkhand and Purvanchal. There is a possibility of further increase in temperature. People have been advised to avoid going out during the day, drink plenty of water and wear loose, cotton clothes.
Potential impact and preparation:
- Farmers have been advised to take measures to protect their crops from rain and hailstorm.
- The Education Department has decided to be flexible in school timings in many districts.
- The health department has also asked hospitals to be prepared for patients suffering from heat stroke and sun-related illnesses.
- The electricity department has taken extra precautions regarding the increasing load due to heat and has kept the technical staff on alert mode.
This kind of weather change in Uttar Pradesh is not only uncomfortable but is also causing loss of life and wealth. The hard work of farmers going waste and the lives of common people getting affected can become a big challenge for the state in the coming times.
