The month of April has begun with a scorching start in West Bengal. As the sun gets fiercer with each passing hour, the mercury has already breached the 40°C mark in several districts. With Chaitra ending on such a burning note, residents are terrified of what the month of Baishakh might bring. According to the Alipore Weather Office, the heat is set to intensify, making life difficult for the common man.

Current Temperature Statistics: Yesterday, Panagarh recorded the state’s highest temperature at 40.4°C, followed closely by Bankura at 40°C. In the metropolitan area, Dumdum reached 38°C while Kolkata sizzled at 36°C. Today, Saturday, the weather is expected to remain humid and oppressive, with Kolkata’s maximum temperature hovering around 37°C.

Forecast of Relief: Amidst the heatwave, there is a glimmer of hope. Due to a Western Disturbance, weather patterns are expected to shift starting this evening. Districts like West Midnapore, Jhargram, Purulia, and Bankura are likely to witness scattered light to moderate rainfall. North Bengal districts, including Darjeeling and Kalimpong, are also on alert for thundershowers. The Met department has predicted a strong possibility of storms and rain from Sunday to Thursday, which could bring down temperatures by 3-4°C, providing much-needed relief to the state.