Dust storm hits Kanpur, affects visibility for driving, snaps power

KANPUR: After a long time denizens got relief from scorching heat as a dust-storm hit the industrial city on Thursday evening. But sudden occurence of the dust storm surprised many as this is not the period when storms set in.

The winds which blew at a speed of 20 km/hour, affected the traffic movement on the city roads. The commuters had to halt their vehicles especially two wheeler drivers as the dust made it difficult to drive. The visibility became poor and it turned dark. The day temperature recorded was 33.4 degree Celsius. This was two degrees above normal. The windy weather brought a change in the weather. After the storm culminated, the winds were chilly.

The Met department of CSA university informed that the day temperature in October stays at 30-31 degrees but till Wednesday, the temperature has continued to remain much above the normal value. The day temperature was hovering between 35 to 37 degrees for past fortnight. This was about five degrees above normal.

The Met department stated that the cloudy weather conditions may prevail but there are not much chances of rainfall.

The dust storm also affected the power supply in the city. Power snapped in Mandi Parishad after electricity pole got damaged. There is still no power in the area.