Kanpur continues to sizzle at 44°C; IMD says no respite in sight

Kanpur: Residents of Kanpur division continued to reel under intense heat for the fifth successive day on Thursday as the maximum temperature remained stagnant around 44 degree Celsius, forcing people to remain indoors during daytime hours.

The scorching weather conditions showed no signs of immediate relief, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) already issuing a red alert for May 22 and orange alert for May 23 and 24 across the region.

According to the CSA weather observatory, the city recorded a maximum temperature of 43.5 degree Celsius, while the Air Force observatory indicated the temperature hovered around 44 degree Celsius.

The minimum temperature was recorded at 25.6 degree Celsius, which remained above normal for the season.

The prolonged spell of extreme heat severely affected normal life in the city as residents experienced heatwave-like conditions from early morning hours. Hot winds began sweeping across open areas from around 8am, steadily intensifying the oppressive weather conditions.

North-western winds blowing at speeds between 4.5 kmph and 12.5 kmph, combined with maximum relative humidity of 31%, further added to the discomfort.

The IMD has warned that there will be no respite over the next few days as dry weather conditions are expected to persist across Uttar Pradesh and the Bundelkhand region.

The department has issued alerts for most districts of the state, cautioning against intense sunshine accompanied by hot and dry winds. It also clarified that there is no possibility of rainfall during this period.

According to the forecast, temperatures in Lucknow and Kanpur are expected to remain between 42 and 44 degree Celsius, while nights are likely to remain warm and humid, causing additional discomfort to residents.

Meanwhile, weather expert Dr S Sunil Pandey of CSA University said that, according to the forecast received from the IMD, Kanpur division would continue to witness dry weather accompanied by strong sunshine on Friday as well.