Heatwave hits southern Bengal: Temps top 40°C

• Southern parts of the state record temperatures surpassing 40 degrees Celsius, causing distress among residents
• Kolkata experiences temperatures four degrees higher than normal, with maximum temperatures reaching 39.4 degrees Celsius
• Dry weather forecasted to persist throughout the week, with intermittent relief expected from light rain in hilly areas

As temperatures soar in Kolkata and various parts of the state, residents grapple with the blistering heatwave. According to a statement released on Thursday by the Meteorological Department's regional headquarters in Alipore, southern regions of the state are experiencing temperatures exceeding 40 degrees Celsius. In Kolkata, the mercury has risen significantly, with a minimum temperature of 29.4 degrees Celsius and a maximum of 39.4 degrees Celsius, marking a deviation of four degrees from the norm.

The scorching conditions extend across Howrah, Hooghly, North and South 24 Parganas, East and West Medinipur, Purulia, Bankura, Murshidabad, Malda, and Jhargram, where temperatures range between 30 to 40 degrees Celsius, causing discomfort among residents. The Meteorological Department predicts dry weather persisting throughout the day and anticipates the continuation of the heatwave for the entire week, while areas in North Bengal such as Alipurduar, Cooch Behar, Jalpaiguri, Darjeeling, and Kalimpong also experience elevated temperatures. However, a slight reprieve is expected in the form of light rain in the hilly regions, offering temporary relief from the oppressive heat.