This month is on course to become the hottest April in at least a decade. It is also set to be among the driest Aprils during the period.
The average daily maximum temperature of April 2024 (till Sunday) has been 37.7 degrees Celsius. In the past decade, only April 2014 saw a higher average daily maximum temperature — 37.8 degrees.
But April still has two more days to go. The Met office recorded a maximum temperature of 41.3 degrees in Alipore on Sunday.
The Celsius is likely to stay over 40 degrees on the remaining days of the month. In that case, the average daily maximum temperature of April 2024 will end up being higher than that of April 2014.
A Met bulletin issued on Sunday ruled out any respite from the heat-wave conditions till at least May 2.
Based on Met records compiled between 1991 and 2020, the average daily maximum temperature of April in Kolkata was 35.4 degrees. The same records show that April’s average rainfall quota was 55mm.
This April has so far recorded just 0.5mm of rain. The city saw isolated drizzles only on April 7, when overcast conditions dragged the Celsius down. That was the only phase of relief from what has otherwise been a consistently scorching April.
The rainfall pattern in April has been random in the past decade. April 2014 saw only 0.2mm of rain in Kolkata. April 2016 saw over 100mm.
The Met records show that April 2014 was also gruelling. The month had 11 days when the maximum temperature was 40 degrees or more. So far, April 2024 has had eight.
The Met bulletin on Sunday said the ongoing heatwave is going to last till May 2 at least, pointing to the dominant hot and dry westerly winds and rise in solar insulation.
According to the bulletin, Bankura, Jhargram, Birbhum, East and West Midnapore and East and West Burdwan are likely to be under the grip of severe heatwave conditions. The Met office issued a red warning for these districts.
The remaining districts in south Bengal will be reeling under heat-wave conditions. There is an orange warning for these districts.
While a red warning indicates maximum risk and urges action, an orange warning means the people should be on guard, said a Met official.
In north Bengal, heatwave conditions are likely in Malda and North and South Dinajpur.
The Met bulletin issued on Sunday warned:
- Very high likelihood of heat-related illness and possibility of heat strokes in districts where red warning has been issued. Increased likelihood of heat illness symptoms in people who are either exposed to sun for a prolonged period or doing heavy work
- Very high health concern for vulnerable people — infants, elderly, people with chronic diseases — for all other districts
- Watch out for heat cramp, heat rash.
It has advised:
- Extreme care for vulnerable people
- Avoid prolonged heat exposure and outside work from 11am to 4pm
- Wear lightweight, light colored, loose, cotton clothes. Cover your head with a piece of cloth, hat or umbrella
- Drink sufficient water, even if not thirsty, to avoid dehydration. Drink ORS
- Recognise the signs of heat stroke, heat rash or heat cramps such as weakness, dizziness, headache, nausea, sweating and seizures. If you feel sick, seek medical help immediately.