Residents reel under severe heat as mercury steadies at 44°C

Kanpur: Residents of Kanpur division continued to face intense heat as the CSA weather observatory recorded a maximum temperature of 44 degrees Celsius on Wednesday, forcing many people to remain indoors.

The minimum temperature in the city was also on the higher side at 26.6 degree Celsius, indicating uncomfortable nights ahead.

Maximum relative humidity rose to 55%, adding to the discomfort. North-westerly winds blowing at speeds between 4.4 kmph and 8.8 kmph swept through the city and intensified the severe heatwave feeling.

The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) had also issued a red alert for the entire state for May 20, 21 and 22, warning of severe heatwave conditions and exceptionally high daytime temperatures.

The weather body said that nights, too, are expected to remain uncomfortably hot during the next two days.

The city has been recording temperatures around 44 degree Celsius continuously for the last three days making normal life extremely uncomfortable for the residents.

According to the IMD release, a yellow alert has also been issued for May 23 and 24, indicating continuation of severe heatwave conditions and high temperatures across the state during those days as well.

Dr S N Sunil Pandey, weather expert of CSA University, forecasted that Thursday is likely to witness dry weather accompanied by intense sunshine across the Kanpur division.

He said a gradual rise in daytime temperature is expected to continue throughout the week while heatwave conditions are also likely to intensify further in the coming days.