Bengal heatwave: Temperature peaks near 38°C

• Bengal experiences severe heat with temperatures nearing 38 degrees Celsius
• Metropolitan Kolkata records temperatures two degrees above normal
• Cloudy skies contribute to increased humidity, while light rains offer relief in parts of North Bengal

Bengal is experiencing a wave of intense heat as temperatures soar close to 38 degrees Celsius, affecting various parts of the state, including metropolitan Kolkata. According to a statement released by the regional headquarters of the Meteorological Department in Alipore on Monday, Kolkata recorded a minimum temperature of 27.5 degrees Celsius, two degrees above normal, and a maximum temperature of 37.9 degrees Celsius, also two degrees above normal.

The scorching conditions extend beyond Kolkata, impacting areas such as Howrah, Hooghly, North and South 24 Parganas, East and West Medinipur, Purulia, and Bankura, where temperatures range from 28 to 38 degrees Celsius. The persistently cloudy skies have prevented hot winds from dissipating, resulting in increased humidity and discomfort. However, there is some respite in sight for parts of North Bengal, including Alipurduar, Cooch Behar, Jalpaiguri, Darjeeling, and Kalimpong, where light rains are forecasted to provide relief from the heat. Similar weather patterns are expected to prevail throughout the week, with a likelihood of further temperature increases.