In Kolkata, the maximum temperature was 41.3 degrees C, 5.7 degrees C above normal.

West Bengal Heatwave: Almost two-thirds of the country is reeling under a severe heatwave, making life unbearable for the people. There have been reports of people dying due to heatstrokes and hot weather.

Amidst the prevailing conditions, there are reports of heatwave prevailing in south Bengal and many parts of the northern districts of West Bengal on Sunday as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecast that the heatwave will continue, particularly in southern districts, till May 2.

The day’s maximum temperature was recorded at 44.3 degrees Celsius, 7.5 degrees C above normal at Kalaikunda in Paschim Medinipur district. At Panagarh in Paschim Bardhaman district, the temperature was 44.2 degrees C, followed by Bankura at 43.5 degrees C.

In Kolkata, the maximum temperature was 41.3 degrees C, which was 5.7 degrees C above normal.

This information was shared by the IMD in the weather bulletin.

Even in the relatively cooler northern parts of the state, Balurghat and Malda recorded maximum temperatures of 41 degrees C each.

In Darjeeling and Kalimpong, the mercury, however, read 22.4 degrees C and 25.2 degrees C, respectively, said the weather office.

“Mainly dry westerly to northwesterly winds at lower levels continue to prevail over the region. Due to strong solar insolation, the heatwave condition is very likely to prevail over the districts during the period from April 28 to May 2,” an IMD office spokesperson said.

Due to the heatwave, roads wore a deserted look on Sunday, and fewer vehicles were seen in the afternoon.

The state government has already announced the preponing of the summer vacation in state-run and state-aided schools.

(With PTI inputs)