First week of May to be pleasant, relief from heatwave: IMD

Kanpur: The mercury surged to 35.6°C in the Kanpur division, making the day moderately hot. However, intermittent rainfall during the morning and late evening helped maintain relatively comfortable conditions for residents.

The city recorded a maximum temperature of 30°C on Thursday, which rose sharply by 5.6°C within 24 hours. Moderate rainfall around 9pm brought down night temperatures, with the minimum settling at a pleasant 20.6°C, allowing residents to enjoy a comfortable night. Weather observatories recorded a total of 6.6 mm rainfall during the day. According to Dr Sunil Pandey, a weather expert at CSA University, residents are expected to experience relief during the first week of May.

However, temperatures are likely to rise again in the second week under clear and sunny conditions. Pandey further noted that weak western disturbances are currently active. The first disturbance led to moderate rainfall and dust storms. Another similar spell is expected around May 4 and 5, though its duration will be brief. On Friday, relative humidity remained high at 83%, with south-easterly winds blowing at speeds ranging between 7.2 and 19.3 km per hour.

As per the forecast issued by the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Saturday is expected to witness mild sunshine along with passing clouds in the Kanpur division. While temperatures may gradually rise as moisture levels decline, the heat index is expected to stay relatively low. The IMD has also predicted the possibility of light drizzle or showers on May 4 and 5, accompanied by strong winds, dust storms and isolated incidents of hailstorms.