Severe heatwave conditions to persist across Kanpur div

Kanpur: Despite a sharp dip in temperature on Thursday, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast severe heatwave conditions to persist across the Kanpur division.

The mercury fell nearly five degrees, offering residents only slight relief from the scorching heat and humidity. According to the weather observatory at Chandra Shekhar Azad University of Agriculture and Technology, the maximum temperature was recorded at 38.5°C on Thursday, down from 43.3°C a day earlier.

However, increased humidity, recorded at 54%, coupled with south-western winds, blowing between 6.8 kmph and 14.8 kmph, led to uncomfortable and sweaty conditions throughout the day. Residents witnessed cloudy skies and light rainfall in some parts of the city during morning hours. Around 0.5 mm rainfall was recorded. The brief spell initially brought pleasant weather, but the relief was short-lived as the skies cleared within an hour and bright sunshine returned. By 10 am, weather conditions once again turned hot and uncomfortable.

Major roads in the city remained largely deserted during the afternoon, while markets reported thin crowd. Several social organisations set up stalls across the city to distribute cold water and drinks to passersby.

Night conditions also remained uncomfortable for residents. The minimum temperature was recorded at 26.4 degrees Celsius, which was 1.8 degrees below normal, but the impact of the day-long heat continued to trouble citizens.

Meanwhile, the IMD has forecast severe heat and heatwave conditions across all districts of the Kanpur division over the next 24 hours. Thunderstorms, lightning and light rain or drizzle are also likely during the afternoon, evening or night hours. The weather department has additionally issued a warning for duststorms and thundershowers under the influence of a western disturbance.

In Kanpur Nagar, the sky is expected to remain mainly clear until the afternoon, with intense heatwave conditions prevailing. Clouds are likely to develop during the evening or night, accompanied by light rain or thunderstorms and gusty winds ranging between 40 and 50 kmph.

The maximum temperature in the city is likely to hover between 43 and 44 degrees Celsius, while the minimum temperature may remain between 29 and 31 degrees Celsius.

Weather expert Dr S. Sunil Pandey of Chandra Shekhar Azad University of Agriculture and Technology said that atmospheric moisture could trigger strong winds, thunderstorms and light rain across the Kanpur division from Thursday night through Friday morning. He added that similar weather patterns may continue over the coming days and temperatures are expected to dip further, though humid conditions are likely to persist due to intermittent sunshine.