Prayagraj: Though the mercury dipped by a mere 0.2 degree, Prayagraj retained its scorching crown as the state’s hottest city at 44.4 degrees Celsius for the second consecutive day on Monday.The Sangam City sweltered on Sunday, recording the hottest day in the state at 44.6 degrees Celsius, forcing the people to stay indoors even on a holiday. In fact, Prayagraj was also the second-hottest city in the country after Akola and Wardha in Maharashtra.On Monday, the maximum temperature stood at 44.4 degrees, 4.5 notches above normal. The minimum settled at 24.6 degrees, 1.5 units above normal.The heat has turned more uncomfortable with humidity reaching 30%, intensifying the impact of the already harsh temperatures. The combination of high heat and humidity has made outdoor conditions extremely oppressive, forcing people to stay indoors during peak hours.The blazing sun has turned roads into virtual hotspots, with sparse movement seen during the afternoon. Residents fear harsher conditions in the coming weeks of May and June if the trend continues.The IMD has already issued a heatwave alert until April 23, warning of strong, dry westerly winds that could further aggravate conditions. Health experts have advised people to avoid stepping out unnecessarily, stay hydrated and take precautions against heat-related illnesses.Meanwhile, the rising temperature has also put pressure on the city’s power infrastructure. Increased demand, especially during nighttime, has led to frequent power outages, fuse failures and cable faults in several areas. Many residents reported being left without electricity for hours, adding to their discomfort.With both day and night temperatures climbing, even cooling appliances like fans and coolers are proving insufficient. Hospitals, particularly those without adequate cooling systems, are facing difficulties in managing indoor temperatures, with wards turning uncomfortably hot, and those who cannot afford costly private wards are the worst hit.
