Kolkata crosses 37°C, South Bengal braces for heatwave; Rain expected in Northern Hills

The heat in South Bengal is set to intensify over the weekend, with the Alipore Meteorological Department predicting above-normal temperatures across most districts. While the mercury continues to rise in South Bengal, North Bengal is expected to receive some scattered rainfall in the coming days.

On Saturday, heatwave conditions have been recorded in seven districts—South 24 Parganas, West Midnapore, Jhargram, Bankura, Purulia, Birbhum, and West Burdwan. According to meteorologists, the heatwave is expected to persist for the next 24 to 48 hours, affecting residents across Gangetic West Bengal.

The weather department has predicted that Kolkata will record a maximum temperature of 37°C, while several western districts may touch 40°C or higher over the weekend. The minimum temperature in Kolkata on Saturday morning stood at 26.4°C, nearly 1.8°C above normal. On Friday, the city recorded a maximum of 37.6°C, which was 2.9°C higher than the seasonal average.

Meanwhile, humidity levels in Kolkata are fluctuating between 27% and 92%, adding to the discomfort. Meteorologists have warned that the hot and dry conditions will continue for the next few days, making the weather increasingly unbearable for residents. The absence of significant rainfall in South Bengal will likely worsen the situation.

However, a slight relief is on the horizon for North Bengal, where thunderstorms and rain are expected in the hilly districts. The upper three to four districts in the north may witness scattered showers, providing some respite from the heat.

With Eid approaching, the extreme heat has raised concerns about public celebrations. The weather office has advised people to take precautions, stay hydrated, and avoid direct sun exposure during peak hours. Authorities are monitoring the situation closely to issue further heatwave advisories if required.