Kanpur bakes at 44°C; intense heatwave likely over next 24 hrs: IMD

Kanpur: Residents endured severe heatwave conditions on Tuesday as the “feel-like” temperature hovered between 45°C and 46°C, causing widespread discomfort.According to the weather observatory at Chandra Shekhar Azad University of Agriculture and Technology, the city recorded a maximum temperature of 43.9°C, while the temperature at Kanpur’s Chakeri Airport crossed the 44°C mark.Meteorologists said the heat index, or “feel-like” temperature, remained significantly higher due to prevailing atmospheric conditions, making residents experience temperatures of around 45°C to 46°C. The ongoing heatwave further aggravated the situation, with the air temperature ranging between 39°C and 43°C during the day.The city also witnessed very high ultraviolet (UV) radiation levels, making conditions extremely harsh throughout the day.Meanwhile, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted that severe heatwave conditions will persist across all districts of the Kanpur division over the next 24 hours, with maximum temperatures forecast to range between 41°C and 43°C.During the afternoon, strong sunlight is expected to be accompanied by hot, dry westerly winds (11–15 kmph), potentially pushing the “real-feel” temperature to between 44°C and 46°C.For Kanpur Nagar, the IMD predicted that the sky will remain mainly clear, with strong sunshine and heatwave conditions prevailing in the afternoon. Partly cloudy skies may be observed in the evening or at night.The maximum temperature is likely to be around 43°C, while the minimum is expected to range between 30°C and 31°C.Dr S Sunil Pandey, weather expert at CSA, said that the minimum temperature recorded in the city on Tuesday was 28.4°C. North-westerly winds blew at a speed of 8.3 to 14.2 kmph, and the maximum relative humidity was 47%.He said that due to atmospheric moisture, the Kanpur division is likely to experience strong winds, thunderstorms and rain from the afternoon onwards over the coming days.He added that the mercury is expected to gradually rise from Wednesday and oppressive, humid heat will persist for the next two days.