South Bengal, some parts of the northern districts of the state continue to swelter with heat

West Bengal Heatwave: Nearly two-thirds of the country is in the grip of a severe heatwave, making life unbearable for people. There have been reports of people dying due to heat wave and hot weather.

Amid the prevailing conditions, heat wave conditions were reported in many parts of South Bengal and northern districts of West Bengal on Sunday as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) estimates that the heat wave will continue till May 2, especially in the southern districts.

Kalaikunda in West Medinipur district recorded the day's maximum temperature of 44.3 degrees Celsius, which is 7.5 degrees Celsius above normal. Panagarh in West Bardhaman district recorded the highest temperature at 44.2 degrees Celsius, followed by Bankura at 43.5 degrees Celsius.

The maximum temperature in Kolkata was 41.3 degrees Celsius, which is 5.7 degrees Celsius more than normal.IMD shared this information in the weather bulletin.Even in the relatively cooler northern parts of the state, Balurghat and Malda recorded maximum temperatures of 41 degrees Celsius.

The weather office said the mercury in Darjeeling and Kalimpong was recorded at 22.4 degrees Celsius and 25.2 degrees Celsius respectively.“At lower levels mainly dry westerly to north-westerly winds continue over the area. Due to strong solar insolation, heatwave conditions are likely to prevail in the districts during the period from April 28 to May 2,” said the IMD office spokesperson.

Due to heat wave, the roads remained deserted on Sunday and fewer vehicles were seen in the afternoon.The state government has already announced to advance summer vacations in state-run and state-aided schools.