Kanpur residents experienced a brief respite from the scorching heat on Wednesday, even as the mercury remained steady at 40 degrees Celsius. The city witnessed a short spell of cloud cover in the afternoon, followed by a mild dust storm in the early evening, providing some relief from the sweltering conditions.
Weather Change Explained by Experts
Weather expert Dr. S. Sunil Pandey attributed the sudden change in weather to the shifting of a trough line towards the northern Terai region of Uttar Pradesh. This shift led to rainfall and dust storms in cities such as Lucknow, Ayodhya, and Raebareli, along with other Terai districts. The trough line's movement also influenced Kanpur's weather, bringing the brief cloud cover and dust storm.
Improvement in Humidity Levels
Humidity levels showed notable improvement. The maximum relative humidity dropped to 53 percent from 67 percent recorded a day earlier, while the minimum relative humidity stood at 45 percent, which is considered relatively comfortable for the human body. North-westerly winds were recorded at speeds ranging between 5.2 kmph and 14 kmph, further aiding in the relief.
IMD Forecast for Coming Days
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the possibility of dust storms, light showers, and drizzle is expected to continue from Wednesday night through Thursday morning and afternoon. This could provide additional short-term relief to residents. However, meteorologists warn that this relief may be short-lived, as temperatures are likely to rise again during the first week of May.
The IMD has also indicated that a drop in mercury by 2 to 3 degrees Celsius could be witnessed in the coming days. However, a concerning trend has emerged in nighttime temperatures, with the minimum temperature rising continuously over the past three days, increasing by about 1 degree Celsius daily. The city's weather observatory recorded a minimum temperature of 27.8 degrees Celsius on Wednesday, up from 26 degrees Celsius on Tuesday, indicating warmer nights ahead.
Heat Index Concerns
With rising humidity and temperatures, the heat index may hover around 50 degrees Celsius, while daytime temperatures could fluctuate marginally by about 0.5 degrees Celsius. Residents are advised to stay hydrated and take necessary precautions against the heat.
