kolkata

IIE DIGITAL DERSK : Kolkata: The City of Joy is reeling under a blistering heatwave as temperatures soared to a scorching 41.6°C on Sunday, making it the hottest day of the season so far. The relentless sun, dry winds, and rising humidity levels have left Kolkatans gasping for relief, prompting warnings from health authorities and the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD).

This searing heat has not only disrupted daily life but has also pushed the city into a near standstill during peak afternoon hours. Streets that usually bustle with activity now wear a deserted look post-noon, with citizens opting to stay indoors to escape the punishing sun. The temperature recorded at Alipore observatory — the official IMD station — marks a departure of nearly five degrees from the average for this time of the year.

According to weather officials, the extreme heat is the result of a persistent high-pressure zone over southern Bengal, which has blocked the entry of moisture-laden winds from the Bay of Bengal. “The absence of any active western disturbance or thunderstorm activity has allowed dry northwesterly winds to dominate, resulting in this prolonged heatwave spell,” said a senior meteorologist at IMD Kolkata.

This spike in mercury levels has not spared even the suburban and rural belts. Districts such as Bankura, Purulia, Birbhum, and parts of North and South 24 Parganas are facing similar — if not worse — conditions, with some areas touching 43°C. The IMD has issued a red alert for several interior districts, warning of extreme heat and advising people to avoid direct sun exposure between 11 am and 4 pm.

Hospitals in Kolkata have reported a noticeable increase in cases of heat exhaustion, dehydration, and fainting, especially among senior citizens and outdoor workers. The West Bengal Health Department has urged the public to remain hydrated, wear light cotton clothing, and avoid strenuous activity during the hottest parts of the day. Special advisories have been issued for children, the elderly, and those with pre-existing health conditions.

For those who cannot afford to stay indoors — such as traffic police personnel, construction workers, and hawkers — the conditions have been especially gruelling. “It feels like the tar on the road is melting. I take breaks under trees and keep a bottle of glucose water with me,” said Sanjay Roy, a traffic constable posted at Park Street crossing.

Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) has initiated measures to provide relief. Water tankers are being deployed to spray water on city roads in the afternoon to reduce surface temperature. Drinking water kiosks have been set up at key intersections, markets, and near hospitals. Mayor Firhad Hakim has also urged citizens to help stray animals by keeping bowls of water outside homes and shops.

Despite the unbearable heat, there is little immediate relief in sight. The IMD has forecast that temperatures are likely to remain above 40°C for the next 48 hours. While there is a faint chance of localized thunderstorms mid-week, weather experts warn that any significant drop in temperature will only occur if a Nor’wester (Kalbaisakhi) strikes — an event that has been unusually scarce this summer.

Environmental experts point to the larger issue of urban heat islands and the rapid disappearance of green cover in the city as contributing factors. “Kolkata’s concrete sprawl, combined with air pollution and low tree density, is intensifying the impact of heatwaves. We need urgent action on urban planning,” said Dr. Shreya Ghosh, an environmental scientist based in Jadavpur.

As the city continues to roast under the punishing sun, the coming days will test both civic resilience and infrastructure. For now, Kolkata can only wait — and hope — for clouds to roll in and break the heat’s harsh grip.

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