Kanpur endures sultry heat as monsoon nears eastern UP

Kanpur: Despite a 2.5-degree Celsius drop in the maximum temperature, Kanpur continued to reel under intense heat and sultry weather on Sunday. However, relief may be on the horizon as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast the arrival of the southwest monsoon in eastern Uttar Pradesh by Sunday night, with widespread rainfall and thunderstorms expected across the state over the next three to four days.According to the IMD, heavy rainfall is likely in most districts of the Purvanchal region from June 30 onwards. Weather scientist SN Sunil Pandey of CSA University said the monsoon is expected to become active across the entire state by the first week of July. He added that the onset of rain could bring down the maximum temperature by 6-8 degrees Celsius, providing significant relief from the prevailing heatwave and humid conditions.

He also said atmospheric conditions are currently favourable for the advancement of the monsoon.In Kanpur, the maximum temperature settled at 39.4 degrees Celsius on Sunday, while the minimum was recorded at 25 degrees Celsius. However, the maximum relative humidity rose sharply to 71 per cent, making weather conditions more oppressive. Southwesterly winds blowing at speeds of 4.6 to 13.3 kmph intensified the heat during the afternoon, forcing many residents to remain indoors.

Despite a slight dip in the night temperature, residents continued to experience warm and uncomfortable nights.The IMD has forecast that heatwave, high humidity and sultry weather conditions are likely to persist across the Kanpur division over the next 24 hours. While the sky is expected to remain partly cloudy in some areas, light rain accompanied by thunderstorms may occur between evening and early morning.For Kanpur Nagar, the IMD has forecast a maximum temperature of 43 degrees Celsius and a minimum of 31 degrees Celsius. The sky is expected to remain mainly clear during the day, with strong heatwave conditions prevailing in the afternoon before turning partly cloudy by evening.Dr Pandey further said that increased atmospheric moisture and enhanced moisture flow could bring cloudy skies, haze and strong winds to the Kanpur division between June 28 and June 30.

Isolated drizzle or light rain accompanied by gusty winds and thunderstorm activity is also likely in some places.He said temperatures may fluctuate by 1-2 degrees Celsius during this period, while humid and sultry weather, along with warm night conditions, is expected to persist. He cautioned that the heat could intensify sharply whenever the sun breaks through the cloud cover.