Heatwave conditions prevailed in Gangetic West Bengal on Thursday as Kolkata experienced a maximum of 40.6 degrees Celsius, which is five notches above normal, the Meteorological Department said. It also said that the eastern metropolis and neighbouring areas will experience such conditions for the next 24 hours, with the mercury level likely to be around 40 °C.
Temperatures above 40 deg C were recorded across the south and western districts of the state, with 41.6 deg C at Barrackpore in the North 24-Parganas, 39 deg C at Diamond Harbour in the South 24-Parganas, 42.6 deg C at Kalaikunda in Paschim Medinipur, 43.6 deg C in Birbhum, and 43.9 deg C at Panagarh in Paschim Bardhaman.
In the metropolis, the maximum relative humidity level was 89 percent and the minimum was 25 percent, raising the discomfort level in the middle of the day, the Met office said. Dry weather conditions will likely prevail for the next two days, and there is a possibility of light to moderate rain with thundershowers from April 23 to April 24 in different districts.
In parts of north Bengal, there was a forecast of light rain with thundershowers in the next 24 hours. Streets wore a deserted look mid-day, and there was less public transport on the roads, both in Kolkata and in other towns in south Bengal, as many people chose to stay indoors.
