Kamal Ghorui
The maximum temperature touched 43.2 degrees Celsius — the highest recorded this season — while the heat index is expected to cross a dangerous 50 degrees Celsius, according to the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD).Data from the Air Force weather observatory recorded a maximum temperature of 43.2 degrees Celsius, while the CSA weather department noted 41 degrees Celsius. Weather expert Dr S Sunil Pandey stated that several other observatories across the city have reported temperatures exceeding 42 degrees Celsius.The IMD has warned that residents of the Kanpur division are unlikely to get any immediate relief from the prevailing extreme weather conditions. With intense solar radiation, both the temperature and heat index are expected to rise further in the coming days. Daytime conditions are likely to worsen with the possibility of strong, scorching winds resembling heatwave conditions.Adding to the discomfort, relative humidity has been recorded at 54%. Dr Pandey explained that high humidity levels are preventing sweat from evaporating efficiently, thereby increasing the ‘real feel’ temperature and causing severe unease among residents. He attributed the extreme heat in Kanpur and the Bundelkhand region to geographical and climatic factors. “Kanpur is located far from the sea, resulting in a continental climate. Due to the lack of maritime influence, summers are extremely hot while winters turn very cold,” he said.Pandey also noted that Kanpur currently ranks as the fifth hottest city in the state, with Prayagraj topping the list at 44.4 degrees Celsius.
