Mercury crosses 45 degrees; heat wave toll at 19

Lucknow, May 6 (UNI) Even as mercury crossed 45 degrees Celsius in Uttar Pradesh, at least five heat wave related deaths were reported in the last 24 hrs taking the toll to 19.

While, Lala Gupta and Dev Singh died in Mahoba district in Bundelkhand region, one death each was reported from Hamirpur, Auraiyya and Lalitpur.

So far, Mahoba has accounted for eight heat wave deaths in UP.

According to met office, the weather remained mainly dry since yesterday.

Agra continued to swelter and recorded a maximum temperature of 45.2 degrees in the last 24 hrs, which was 4 degrees above normal.

In 1998, Agra had recorded the highest of 48.6 degrees in the month of May.

The arrival of tourists at Taj Mahal has plummeted due to the scorching mercury levels. The tourists find it difficult to tread barefoot on marble under the blazing sun.

The weatherman has forecast storms at a few places in the state in the next 24 hrs.

UNI VS SY KN1726