LUCKNOW, May 19 -- Banda continued to reel under an intense heatwave on Monday, registering a maximum temperature of 46.6degC, the highest in Uttar Pradesh for the third straight day and 3.1degC above normal, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). The mercury stood at 46.4degC on Sunday and 46.2degC on Friday, making the district the hottest in the country over the past few days.

A marginal drop of 2 to 3degC in maximum temperatures is likely over the next five days, the weatherman said. Isolated places in the state may experience rain or thundershowers, while thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and gusty winds (speeding 40-50 km/h) are also likely at scattered locations.

Other cities in the grip of severe heat inclu...