Kanpur: The city got some respite from the intense heat with scattered rains and cloud cover on Wednesday, though sultry weather conditions continued to trouble residents throughout the day.The sky remained cloudy for most of the day, while scattered rainfall was witnessed in some areas around noon. Civil Lines, Bara Chauraha, Mall Road, Rail Bazaar and several parts of South Kanpur witnessed moderate rains. Drizzle continued intermittently in many localities in the evening as well.However, mercury continued on a rising trend with maximum temperature recorded at 33 degrees Celsius, nearly two degrees above Tuesday’s temperature, while the minimum temperature also increased to 27 degrees Celsius.The maximum and minimum relative humidity levels were recorded at 84 per cent and 87 per cent, respectively. Slow north-western winds blowing at speeds between 3.1 kmph and 6.2 kmph failed to provide much relief from humid and sultry conditions.According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the Kanpur division is likely to witness partly cloudy skies, along with thunderstorms accompanied by rain or showers on Thursday. The activation of monsoon winds is expected to bring down the maximum temperature and provide relief from humidity.The IMD has also forecast thunderstorms accompanied by strong winds in Kanpur Nagar during the afternoon or evening hours, with chances of lightning strikes. The maximum temperature is expected to hover around 40 degrees Celsius, while the minimum temperature may remain around 28 degrees Celsius.Dr S.N. Sunil Pandey, weather expert at CSA University, said that due to increased atmospheric moisture and enhanced moisture flow, the period between June 30 and July 5 is likely to witness cloud movement, haze and strong winds across the Kanpur division.Isolated light drizzle and light rain accompanied by gusty winds and thundercloud activity are also expected in some areas, he said. He added that temperatures may fluctuate by 3 to 4 degrees over the next day, while humid and sultry conditions are likely to persist. However, the overall weather is expected to remain pleasant unless bright sunshine returns, which could once again intensify the heat.Dr Pandey further stated that the Meteorological department has issued an alert for strong winds ranging between 30 and 40 kmph, thunderstorms accompanied by lightning, and one or two spells of heavy showers in the region. Advising caution, he urged people not to take shelter under trees, electricity poles or in open fields during thunderstorms. Farmers working in the fields have also been advised to move to safer places during adverse weather conditions.
