As West Bengal prepares for Poila Baisakh, a severe heatwave is threatening to dampen the festive spirit. The Alipore Meteorological Department has warned that there is no immediate relief in sight, with temperatures expected to rise further across Kolkata and South Bengal in the coming days.

In Kolkata, while the maximum temperature is hovering around 36°C, the real concern is the soaring relative humidity, reaching up to 89%. This combination of dry heat from Central India and moisture is creating extreme discomfort for commuters. Weather experts confirmed that there is no immediate forecast for Kalbaisakhi (Nor’westers) or heavy rainfall in the southern districts.

In contrast, North Bengal provides a much-needed silver lining. Districts including Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Jalpaiguri, Alipurduar, and Cooch Behar are likely to experience light to moderate rainfall and thunderstorms today. While the hills stay cool, the plains of South Bengal will continue to bake under dry and sweltering conditions through the start of the Bengali New Year.