Residents of Kanpur and several other regions in Uttar Pradesh must brace themselves for several more days of intense cold and dense fog, with weather experts predicting no immediate relief. The harsh winter conditions are set to persist, disrupting daily life and posing health risks.
Sunshine Offers Fleeting Daytime Respite
On Friday, bright sunshine provided a brief period of warmth and relief after 9:30 AM. Many citizens, including the elderly and homemakers, were seen outdoors soaking up the sun on terraces, in parks, and along roadsides. However, this comfort was short-lived. As the sun set around 5:30 PM, a sharp dip in temperature and cold winds forced people back indoors, with dense fog quickly engulfing the city and severely reducing visibility.
IMD and Expert Forecast: More Fog, Fluctuating Temperatures
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast fog and mist during morning and evening hours, attributing it to prevailing humidity. While intermittent afternoon sunshine may offer temporary relief, the department notes that decreasing north-westerly wind speeds will limit any significant rise in temperatures.
Dr. Sunil Pandey, a weather expert at Chandra Shekhar Azad University of Agriculture and Technology, stated that foggy conditions, chilly winds, and cold-wave-like situations are expected to continue. He cautioned citizens to remain vigilant as frequent weather fluctuations could adversely affect health and daily routines.
According to Dr. Pandey, temperatures across Uttar Pradesh will keep fluctuating. Cold conditions will dominate during the night, early morning, and evening. High humidity levels are likely to aggravate fog formation and pollution, leading to dangerously poor visibility on roads, especially during early mornings and evenings.
Temperature Data and Ongoing Advisory
On Friday, Kanpur recorded a minimum temperature of 5.6 degrees Celsius, nearly unchanged from Thursday and approximately 1.6 degrees below the normal seasonal average. The maximum temperature was 17.5 degrees Celsius, which is 1.8 degrees below the seasonal norm.
With no significant improvement in sight, the advisory for the public remains clear:
- Exercise caution while traveling due to low visibility.
- Protect yourself from the cold, especially during early mornings and nights.
- Be mindful of health impacts caused by the persistent cold and pollution.
The region must prepare for an extended period of harsh winter weather, with experts urging everyone to stay informed and take necessary precautions.
