A dust storm accompanied by light rains on Wednesday afternoon provided brief respite to residents of Kanpur, but hot conditions quickly returned, leaving citizens bewildered. The relief was short-lived as the city later recorded a maximum temperature of 40.2 degrees Celsius, nearly 2 degrees higher than Tuesday's temperature. The minimum temperature also rose to 27.7 degrees Celsius.
Heat Index and UV Levels
Although the maximum temperature was recorded at 40.2 degrees Celsius, residents experienced conditions closer to 45 degrees Celsius due to a high heat index. Bright sunshine and intense heat created dangerous conditions with a high UV index, necessitating precautions against heat stroke.
Humidity and Wind Patterns
The maximum relative humidity was recorded at 71 percent, while wind speed remained normal during most of the day. However, around 2:30 pm, when the observatory recorded the day's maximum temperature, climatic conditions changed suddenly. Thick cloud cover developed along with thunderstorm activity, and soon a dust storm with wind speeds of 30 to 40 km per hour swept across the city. Light drizzle was also witnessed for a few minutes. As soon as the disturbance passed, bright sunshine reappeared, and hot weather conditions once again prevailed.
Weather Forecast
According to the India Meteorological Department, dry weather accompanied by bright sunshine is expected in the Kanpur division on Thursday. Meteorologists have indicated that daytime temperatures are likely to rise gradually in the coming days.
S Sunil Pandey, a weather expert at Chandra Shekhar Azad University of Agriculture and Technology, told TOI that the dust storm and light drizzle provided temporary relief but also indicated that temperatures would rise gradually from Thursday onwards. He added that there is currently no indication of rainfall during the remaining part of this month.
Health Advisory
In view of the rising mercury, Pandey advised residents to limit outdoor activities during afternoon hours, remain hydrated, and wear loose, light-coloured clothing. He also urged people to closely monitor vulnerable individuals for signs of heat exhaustion.
