The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a stern warning for residents of the Kanpur division, forecasting a prolonged spell of intense cold, accompanied by dense to very dense fog, which is expected to persist until January 4. The weather bulletin indicates that large swathes of Uttar Pradesh will remain under the grip of these harsh conditions, with nights and early mornings bearing the brunt.
IMD Forecast and Expert Analysis
In its latest bulletin, the IMD has predicted that cold wave conditions will continue to prevail across the state. The department has ruled out any significant rainfall in the region for now, although parts of the Agra division recently received up to 4 mm of rain, which is anticipated to add to the prevailing chill.
Weather expert Dr. Sunil Pandey of CSA University explained the situation further. He stated that increased humidity levels are leading to the formation of fog and mist during morning and evening hours. "With a further drop in night temperatures across Uttar Pradesh, including the Kanpur division, cold wave conditions and chilliness will be felt not only during the night and early morning but also during the evening and daytime," Dr. Pandey said. He added that northwesterly winds are likely to pick up speed during the daytime when sunshine appears, but pollution mixed with humidity will continue to cause foggy conditions.
Ground Reality: Travel Disruption and Health Impact
The forecast manifested starkly on the ground this Thursday. Kanpur witnessed dense fog from the early morning hours, which lingered until late afternoon under a persistently overcast sky. The sun remained completely hidden, leading to a sharp drop in visibility. Visibility became almost zero on the Kanpur–Prayagraj highway, causing significant inconvenience and danger to commuters.
Despite a slight rise in the minimum temperature to 7.2 degrees Celsius from Wednesday, the cold continued to trouble citizens. The maximum temperature was recorded at 14.5 degrees Celsius, with humidity soaring to 97 percent. Northwesterly winds blew at a speed of 2.1 km per hour, exacerbating the cold feel. According to the IMD, Kanpur is currently the fifth coldest city in Uttar Pradesh.
The severe weather has had a direct and serious impact on public health. Hospitals reported a surge in admissions related to the cold. As many as 65 cardiac patients were admitted to hospitals on Thursday. Furthermore, the emergency ward of LLR Hospital saw around 15 brain stroke patients. Tragically, 6 patients brought to the cardiology department and one at LLR Hospital were declared dead.
What Lies Ahead for Kanpur
The immediate outlook for Kanpur and its surrounding division remains challenging. The combined effect of low temperatures, high humidity, and calm winds is creating a perfect environment for dense fog and a persistent cold day scenario. Authorities and citizens are advised to:
- Exercise extreme caution while traveling, especially on highways during early morning and night hours.
- Take necessary health precautions, particularly the elderly and those with pre-existing conditions.
- Stay updated with the latest forecasts from the IMD as the situation evolves until January 4.
The region must brace itself for more days of limited visibility, piercing cold, and associated disruptions as the winter tightens its grip.
