Met sends out heatwave alert for districts close to Kolkata

KOLKATA: The Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC) issued a special bulletin on Monday with a heatwave alert for 14 Bengal districts, including two of Kolkata's neighbours, till Saturday. Weathermen and city doctors have been advising against spending time outdoors for this week.

Kolkata's temperature is likely to remain under 40 degrees Celsius, too low to officially declare a heatwave in the city. But, RMC director G K Das said, the real feel impact of a temperature in the range of 38°C-39°C for the rest of the week in Kolkata would be enough to cause the same health risks as that of a heatwave.
"Typically, in the pre-monsoon period, we find scattered thundershowers, quite frequently. The long dry spell, accompanied by a heatwave that we are experiencing now, is fairly uncommon," added Das. Kolkata's neighbouring districts of North and South 24 Parganas and East Midnapore are likely to see a bout of shower or two this week, capping Kolkata's maximum temperature below 39.5°. A marginal chance of a thunderstorm in the city on Wednesday could be offset by heatwave in Hooghly and Howrah.
The bulletin warned that the heat could pose moderate risk to vulnerable groups, including the elderly, children, those with chronic diseases and those working outdoors. Outdoor exposure has been discouraged, especially between 11am and 4pm, during which time the likelihood of being affected by a heat cramp is at its highest.
Pulmonologist Arup Haldar said, "During a heatwave, or urban heat island effects, heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat strokes are the most common illnesses. We get a lot of elderly patients this time of the year, hospitalized due to dehydration from improper electrologist regulation. It is essential to keep drinking water or rehydration beverage as well as use protective gear, such as umbrellas and sunglasses while stepping out." Haldar also stressed the need for hydration and protection against heat even indoors.
According to the RMC's bulletin, the prevailing heatwave was caused by a dry westerly wind. The last time Kolkata received a thunderstorm was on May 27.