Maximum temperature in Kolkata crosses 38 degree Celsius, two districts brace for heatwave-like condition

KOLKATA: The maximum temperature in Kolkata clocked 38.6 degrees Celsius on Tuesday, the highest recorded so far this year. This is three notches above the normal mark. It may continue to rise and touch 39 degrees on Wednesday, predicted the Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC), Alipore. A couple of districts are also bracing for heat wave and a prolonged spell without any rain.
Scorching northwesterly winds have led to this warm spell, said weathermen. Since moisture has not been flowing in from the Bay of Bengal, humidity has been low, leading to a dry heat.
Meanwhile, the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) on Tuesday predicted normal monsoon rainfall between June and September.
On Monday, Kolkata had recorded a maximum temperature of 37.4 degrees Celsius, two degrees above normal.
In Kolkata, the maximum temperature may surge past 40 by Wednesday and at least two Bengal districts, Malda and South Dinajpur, may face a heat-wave like condition by April 15.
Despite the relief that IMD's report has brought to Bengal, which is heavily dependant on monsoon rain for kharif crop cultivation, there is still a 33% probability of below normal monsoon in the state, said an RMC official. He added that the next monsoon update will come in May. Last year, monsoon ended with a 20% rain deficiency in the whole state and 33% shortfall in Kolkata.
According to IMD, India's southwest monsoon from June to September may have 96% of rainfall of the Long Period Average (LPA) with a model error of plus-minus 5%, indicating a normal monsoon. The report also suggested that the adverse effects of the El Nino may be neutralized by the development of weather systems such as the La Nina over the equatorial Pacific.