West Bengal is bracing for an intense heat spell as the Alipore Meteorological Department predicts an 8-degree Celsius jump in the maximum temperature compared to the last 48 hours. Starting today, April 2nd, temperatures across South Bengal are expected to rise by 4 to 6 degrees over the next four days, staying 3 to 5 degrees above normal. Coastal districts are particularly vulnerable, with relative humidity expected to hover between 80% and 90%, causing extreme discomfort.

A yellow alert for hot and humid weather has been issued for districts including South 24 Parganas, Howrah, West Midnapore, Bankura, and Purulia. In the western belt, the mercury is already touching the 35-40°C mark. While dry weather will prevail until Saturday, there is a slight chance of light rain and lightning in Purulia, Jhargram, and Bankura on Sunday, April 5th. In North Bengal, while some hilly districts might witness thundershowers, the rest of the region will remain dry and hot.