Kanpur: Kanpur sweltered at 40 degrees Celsius on Friday — 1.8 degrees above normal as the summer heat tightened its grip on the city. The India Meteorological Department has cautioned residents to brace for a further spike in temperatures, with the mercury expected to climb steadily till Apr 24.According to IMD predictions, the maximum temperature at the start of the week could be between 41°C and 42°C. However, by Apr 23 and 24, the mercury could climb further, reaching between 42°C and 43°C.On Friday, the minimum stood at 19.4°C. The Air Force Chakeri meteorological section reported 41°C reading, while the maximum relative humidity dropped to 57 per cent.Explaining the reasons behind the intense heat, the IMD stated that hot westerly winds originating from the desert regions of Rajasthan are moving towards the plains of North India, triggering a rapid increase in temperatures. Clear skies and the absence of cloud cover are allowing direct and intense solar radiation to heat the region.Additionally, an anti-cyclonic system over Peninsular India is advancing towards central India, further pushing hot winds into Uttar Pradesh. At the same time, cooling winds from the Himalayan region have weakened, reducingtheir moderating impact. Low humidity levels, estimated between 10 and 15 per cent, are making conditions feel more severe and piercing.Weather expert S N Sunil Pandey has advised residents to take precautions to protect themselves from heat-related illnesses. He recommended staying hydrated by drinking water at regular intervals and consuming traditional cooling beverages such as lassi, lemon water (shikanji), buttermilk, sattu drink, mango panna, and bael juice.He also cautioned people to avoid stepping out between 12 noon and 4 pm and to wear light cotton clothing to minimize heat exposure.
