Rain, cloud cover keep Kanpur cool; heavy showers likely in 24 hrs

Kanpur: Cloudy skies and intermittent light showers brought welcome relief from the heat in Kanpur on Thursday, with the maximum temperature dropping to 30 degrees Celsius. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast heavy rain, thunderstorms, lightning and strong winds across the region over the next 24 hours.According to the city weather observatory, the maximum temperature settled at 30 degrees Celsius, down by 2 degrees from Wednesday’s 32 degrees Celsius. The sharp fall in temperature brought much-needed respite to residents from the prevailing heat.Although high relative humidity continued to make conditions sultry, south-westerly winds blowing at speeds of 7.5 to 11.3 kmph helped ease discomfort. The minimum temperature was recorded at 26 degrees Celsius.The city received 1.9 mm of rainfall during the day. Overcast skies, accompanied by intermittent drizzles and light showers, created pleasant weather conditions, with many residents venturing outdoors. Children were also seen enjoying the rain.Meanwhile, the India Meteorological Department’s Meteorological Centre, Lucknow, has issued an alert for heavy rainfall, accompanied by thunderstorms, lightning and strong winds, across several parts of Uttar Pradesh over the next 24 hours.

The weather department attributed the expected weather activity to moisture-laden winds from the Bay of Bengal and active monsoon conditions. Kanpur, Unnao and Hardoi are likely to receive heavy rainfall, accompanied by winds blowing at speeds of 30 to 40 kmph.SN Sunil Pandey, weather expert at CSA University, said that increased atmospheric moisture and enhanced moisture flow are expected to keep the Kanpur division under cloudy skies with strong winds between July 9 and July 12.

He added that light to moderate rainfall, along with gusty winds, thunderstorms and lightning, is likely during this period, while isolated areas may also witness light drizzles.Pandey said the pleasant weather is expected to continue over the next few days. However, he cautioned that heat and humidity may increase again once sunny conditions return.He also advised residents to avoid taking shelter under trees or electricity poles during thunderstorms and lightning and urged commuters to avoid travelling on waterlogged roads.