As predicted by the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the mercury soared on Wednesday, with the maximum temperature in Kanpur Nagar touching 44.3 degrees Celsius, which was 3.9 degrees above normal. The intense heatwave conditions forced a majority of residents across the Kanpur Division to remain indoors, while roads and marketplaces witnessed thin crowds during the afternoon hours.
IMD Forecast Accurate
The IMD had already forecast on Tuesday that weather conditions in the Kanpur Division would remain completely dry with clear and sunny skies, ruling out any possibility of cloud cover or rainfall. It had predicted that maximum temperatures across the division would hover between 43 and 46 degrees Celsius, making daytime conditions extremely harsh. The forecast proved accurate as temperatures rose sharply on Wednesday.
Thursday Outlook
According to the latest forecast issued by the IMD, dry weather accompanied by strong sunshine is expected to continue across the Kanpur Division on Thursday as well. Temperatures are likely to fluctuate within a narrow range of 1 to 2 degrees Celsius during the week, while heatwave conditions are expected to persist.
The weather department, however, indicated that due to increased atmospheric moisture, there remains a possibility of dust storms accompanied by strong winds and thundercloud activity during afternoon hours in the coming days. Meanwhile, the CSA weather observatory recorded the city's minimum temperature at 25.8 degrees Celsius, which remained below normal and brought comparatively less discomfort during the night. The maximum relative humidity was recorded at 40 percent. Combined with north-westerly winds blowing at a speed of 8.9 kilometers per hour, these conditions intensified the overall heatwave effect across the city.
Expert Warning
Dr. S Sunil Pandey, weather expert at Chandra Shekhar Azad University of Agriculture and Technology, said that high heat index and UV index levels made people experience a "real feel" temperature of nearly 47 degrees Celsius. He warned that the combination of high temperature and localized humidity significantly increases the risk of heat exhaustion and dehydration.
Dr. Pandey further stated that due to rising atmospheric moisture, there is a possibility of dust storms accompanied by gusty winds and thunderclouds during afternoon hours. He added that some relief from the prevailing intense heat is expected on May 29 and 30, though no respite is likely on Thursday.
