South Bengal is staring at a sharp rise in temperature even as parts of the state may receive brief spells of rain. In Kolkata, the day began with bright sunshine and rising discomfort. On Tuesday, the city recorded a minimum temperature of 26.0 degrees Celsius, slightly below normal, while the maximum stood at 34.6 degrees Celsius, about 1 degree below average.
However, high humidity levels are making conditions uncomfortable for residents. Sweating and fatigue are likely to trouble commuters throughout the day, with little relief expected at night. According to the weather department, temperatures in Kolkata are likely to climb further from Wednesday. There is currently no forecast of rainfall in the city this week, making hydration and sun protection essential for those stepping out.
The situation across South Bengal remains concerning. Despite a forecast of scattered light rain in some districts on Tuesday afternoon, it is unlikely to bring significant relief from the heat. The weather department has warned of a noticeable rise in temperature over the next 48 hours.
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Districts such as Purulia, Bankura and Jhargram are at risk of heatwave conditions. Additionally, special alerts have been issued for Panagarh and Kalaikunda, where temperatures may touch 40 degrees Celsius by Wednesday.
Weather concerns on voting day
As the first phase of polling approaches on April 23, weather conditions could play a crucial role. Birbhum and Murshidabad are expected to experience humid conditions during the day, with chances of thunderstorms and rain later in the afternoon.
Light rain is also likely in Purulia, Nadia and North 24 Parganas. While this may offer temporary relief to voters waiting in queues, the combination of heat and humidity will persist through most of the day.
North Bengal gets rain relief
In contrast, North Bengal is likely to remain relatively pleasant. The region is expected to witness increased rainfall activity between April 23 and 24. Thunderstorms are likely in the hilly areas and nearby regions on polling day.
From Tuesday to Friday, intermittent rain is expected across several districts. Gusty winds may also affect Malda and the two Dinajpur districts, adding to the changing weather pattern in the region.
Overall, while North Bengal enjoys a cooler spell, South Bengal continues to battle rising heat amid the ongoing election atmosphere.
