Severe heatwave alert for city as mercury likely to touch 45°C today

Kanpur: The city is likely to face a severe heatwave on Friday, with temperatures likely to soar to 44-45°C, a day after the city recorded 40.1°C amid oppressive heat and humidity that left residents struggling throughout Thursday.

The maximum temperature on Thursday was nearly two degrees Celsius higher than Wednesday’s reading, while high moisture levels in the atmosphere made conditions particularly uncomfortable. South-eastern winds blowing at 3.9 kmph and relative humidity of 62% added to the discomfort, with many residents complaining that sweat was not evaporating properly and even air coolers were increasing humidity indoors.

According to weather experts, the heat index during the hottest part of the afternoon remained between 42°C and 44°C, while the UV index stayed in the very high category. Experts advised people to avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight and take precautions against dehydration, heat exhaustion and heat cramps.

Weather expert Dr S. Sunil Pandey of CSA University said a severe heatwave is likely to prevail across all six districts of the Kanpur division on Friday, June 5. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast that daytime temperatures in Kanpur could touch 44-45°C, while night temperatures may remain between 30°C and 33°C.

The IMD has also indicated the possibility of light cloud cover or isolated showers accompanied by thunder and lightning in some districts. Dr Pandey said temperatures are expected to rise further due to bright sunshine, although light rain, drizzle, gusty winds and thunderstorms may occur during afternoon hours over the next three days.

He said temperatures could increase by another 3-5 degrees during the remaining days of the week, intensifying humid heat conditions across the region.

Advising residents to take precautions, Dr Pandey urged people to avoid direct exposure to sunlight between noon and 4 pm, stay adequately hydrated by consuming water, ORS and homemade drinks, and wear loose-fitting cotton clothing.