For second day, Sangam city second hottest in UP

Prayagraj: Heat continued to scorch Prayagraj on Thursday, making it second-hottest place in UP for second consecutive day. According to the Meteorological department, Prayagraj recorded maximum temperature of 46.6 degrees Celsius, while Banda topped the state chart again at 47.6 degrees Celsius.

Minimum temperature in Prayagraj settled at 29.4 degrees Celsius, making the night humid and uncomfortable too.Compared to Wednesday, when the city recorded maximum temperature of 46.4 degrees Celsius and minimum of 29 degrees Celsius, mercury rose by 0.2 degree Celsius during the day and 0.4 degree Celsius at night. Temperature continued to remain significantly above normal, intensifying heatwave conditions across the district.From early morning, harsh sunlight and hot winds made commuting difficult, while roads and marketplaces wore a deserted look during afternoon hours. Hot winds sweeping through the city felt like air from a blower, leaving residents exhausted within minutes of stepping outdoors.Commuters faced additional trouble because deadlock between striking lawyers and resident doctors at SRN Hospital on second consecutive day.

Several roads connecting city west localities witnessed massive traffic congestion all day because of protests and heavy vehicular pressure around the hospital area. Hundreds of commuters remained stranded in long traffic jams for hours under the scorching sun.The hot conditions also pushed up demand for cool beverages like shikanji and sugarcane juice at roadside stalls, while even coolers and fans failed to provide much relief. IMD warned of no respite from heatwave over next few days. IMD had already issued red alert for Prayagraj and adjoining districts till May 23.