Residents of Kanpur have been issued a stern warning to prepare for severe winter conditions, with dense fog and a biting cold wave set to intensify as the New Year rolls in. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast a significant shift in weather patterns across North India, driven by an active western disturbance.
IMD Forecast: Rain, Snow, and Returning Fog
The meteorological authority predicts that the plains of North India are likely to experience seasonal rainfall in the coming days. Simultaneously, the hill regions can expect fresh snowfall due to the influence of the western disturbance. Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, and Delhi may record their first traditional winter rain of the season.
While the dense fog and isolated cold wave conditions might see a temporary weakening for approximately 36 hours, experts caution that the relief will be short-lived. The situation is anticipated to deteriorate after the rainfall. Extremely cold winds trailing the weather system are expected to trigger a more intense cold wave, with dense fog likely to make a strong comeback.
Chilly Start to the New Year for Kanpur and North India
The commencement of the New Year is projected to be exceptionally chilly across the hills and plains of North India, including the Kanpur division. The cold is expected to peak around January 3 and 4, significantly intensifying the winter impact for residents.
Dr. Sunil Pandey, a weather scientist at CSA University, provided a localized perspective, noting a possibility of light drizzle in western Uttar Pradesh. However, he indicated that chances of rainfall in the Kanpur division remain minimal. Despite this, he emphasized that the effect of the cold wave will be strongly felt by the city's inhabitants.
Dr. Pandey added that December witnessed predominantly dry and cold conditions, but the upcoming western disturbances are likely to alter this pattern by bringing rain and snowfall. This will be followed by a notable rise in fog density and cold wave intensity. "The real cold is yet to set in, and another active western disturbance may affect the region before Makar Sankranti," he warned.
Current Conditions and City Response
Kanpur is already in the grip of a harsh winter. On Tuesday morning, the city recorded a minimum temperature of 4.4 degrees Celsius, while the maximum temperature settled at 15.9 degrees Celsius, both readings below the normal range for this time of year.
The weather station recorded a maximum relative humidity of 95 percent, with north-westerly winds blowing at speeds between 2.2 and 3.8 kilometers per hour. The city experienced the coldest night in Uttar Pradesh on the intervening night of Monday and Tuesday.
In response to the freezing conditions, residents have taken to lighting bonfires at several locations across Kanpur to keep warm. Dense fog continued to disrupt morning routines and activities, though the sky cleared by noon as sunshine offered brief respite. However, the piercing chill returned swiftly after sunset, reinforcing winter's firm grip on the city.
