Hot, moist air makes 42 feel like 45 degrees C

Lucknow: Weather dealt a double whammy on city residents as mercury levels and moisture content in the atmosphere remained high on Tuesday, leading to uncomfortable sultry conditions. No relief is likely in next two days. While very light rain was reported in isolated areas in the wee-hours, it did little to cool the atmosphere and instead added moisture, making weather hot and humid all day.

City recorded 42 degrees Celsius maximum temperature, two units above normal, while minimum temperature was around 29 degrees Celsius, also two units above normal. Relative humidity, however, ranged between 35% and 63%, contributing to uncomfortable and sultry conditions all day.

High humidity levels pushed the “feels-like” temperature to nearly 45 degrees Celsius in the afternoon. Residents complained of sweaty and oppressive weather, with many finding it difficult to venture outdoors during peak hours.

According to Regional Meteorological Centre, Lucknow, city and its adjoining areas are likely to witness a clear sky during the day on Wednesday, which will become mainly clear towards evening and night. Maximum and minimum temperatures are expected to hover around 42 and 30 degrees Celsius, respectively.

RMC Lucknow’s senior scientist Mohammad Danish said, “Light drizzle recorded late at night and during early morning hours at isolated places was triggered by moisture-laden easterly winds interacting with hot air prevailing over the region.”

Banda was hottest place in the state recording maximum temperature of 45 degrees Celsius followed by Prayagraj 44.6, Jhansi 44.4 and Kanpur City 43.9.

Meteorologists said hot and humid conditions are likely to persist in many parts of the state, although isolated light showers may occur in some areas over the coming days.