January's Chilling Farewell: Lucknow and Kanpur Colder Now Than New Year's Day

Well, folks, it seems January decided to save its chilliest bite for last, especially if you're living in Lucknow or Kanpur. As we edge closer to February, the thermometers are telling a story that might surprise you: it's actually colder now than it was right at the start of the new year. That fresh optimism of January 1st might have been accompanied by milder temperatures than the deep chill we're experiencing as the month draws to a close.

Let's dive into the specifics, shall we? Take Lucknow, for instance. On New Year's Day, the maximum temperature hovered around a relatively comfortable 17.5 degrees Celsius, while the mercury dipped to 11.2 degrees at night. Fast forward to January 29th, and while the daytime high wasn't dramatically different at 17.1 degrees, it's the nighttime low that really pinches – a frosty 4.5 degrees Celsius. That's a significant drop, making those early morning hours feel truly bitter.

Kanpur isn't faring much warmer either. On January 1st, residents saw a high of 15.6 degrees Celsius and a low of 9.8 degrees. But come January 29th, despite a slightly higher daytime peak of 17.6 degrees, the night brought a sharp drop to 4.6 degrees Celsius. It's a stark reminder that while the sun might offer a fleeting moment of warmth during the day, the cold truly grips you once it sets.

So, what does this all mean for those braving the elements? Essentially, a proper cold wave has settled in. Mornings continue to be shrouded in shallow fog, though thankfully not the dense, visibility-destroying kind we've sometimes seen. While the sky promises to be clear for the next few days, and maximum temperatures are expected to stay around 17 degrees, those minimums are stubbornly clinging to the 5-6 degree mark. So, bundle up, because this late-January chill isn't planning on leaving just yet.