Heatwave warning in Bengal as temperatures set to cross 40°C in western districts

With the end of the Bengali month of Chaitra approaching, large parts of south Bengal are already feeling the heat. The India Meteorological Department’s regional office at Alipore has warned that temperatures will rise further from Monday, with heatwave-like conditions expected across several western districts.

The department has forecast that maximum temperatures may climb by three to five degrees Celsius over the next few days. Districts including Bankura and Purulia could see the mercury touching or crossing 40°C. Hot and dry conditions are also expected in Paschim Medinipur, Jhargram, and Paschim Bardhaman. In Kolkata, the minimum temperature was recorded at 26.2°C, while the maximum touched 33.6°C on Saturday. Meteorologists have cautioned that humidity levels could remain high, adding to discomfort. Dry weather is likely to dominate southern districts until early next week, with a heatwave warning in place from Tuesday.

Meanwhile, parts of north Bengal may see contrasting conditions. Thunderstorms with gusty winds of up to 40 km/h are possible in Darjeeling, Jalpaiguri, and Kalimpong. However, even in the north, temperatures in the lower districts are expected to rise by three to five degrees in the coming days.