The India Meteorological Department (IMD) and the district administration have issued an orange alert for all six districts of the Kanpur division, warning that severe heatwave conditions and unusually warm nights are likely to prevail on May 25.
Forecast Details
According to the forecast, the sky will remain clear while strong hot winds are expected to blow at a speed of 15 to 20 km per hour during the daytime. The IMD has predicted that both Kanpur Nagar and Kanpur Dehat are likely to record maximum temperatures between 44°C and 45°C.
The weather department further stated that the nights would also remain uncomfortable due to persistent hot winds and high temperatures. The minimum temperature in Kanpur Nagar is expected to remain between 30°C and 34°C.
Expert Warnings
Dr. S. Sunil Pandey, weather expert at Chandra Shekhar Azad University of Agriculture and Technology, warned residents that severe heatwave conditions are likely to persist over Northwest and Central India, including the Kanpur division, during the next seven days. Similar conditions are expected to continue over eastern and adjoining parts of the country for another three to five days.
The CSA observatory on Sunday recorded the maximum temperature in the city at 43.4°C, while the Air Force Chakeri observatory once again reported temperatures above 44°C. The minimum temperature was recorded at 29°C, nearly 3°C above normal. Northwesterly winds blowing at speeds between 7.3 kmph and 10.8 kmph, coupled with maximum relative humidity of 37 per cent, intensified the severe heatwave impact across the city.
Precautionary Measures
Pandey said that as the minimum temperature is likely to remain above 30°C, residents would not get relief even after sunset. He advised people to avoid venturing outdoors during afternoon hours and refrain from direct exposure to sunlight between noon and 4 pm. He also urged residents to consume water, ORS and buttermilk regularly even if they do not feel thirsty. People have also been advised to wear light-coloured cotton clothes and keep their heads covered while stepping outdoors.
