The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecasted a severe heatwave across parts of West Bengal today, which is already enduring extreme temperatures. Hill districts like Darjeeling and Kalimpong will face heatwave-like conditions for the next three to four days.
Sikkim is also expected to experience heatwave conditions, with Gangtok recording a maximum temperature of 25.2 degrees Celsius on Thursday.
In contrast, the IMD has warned of hailstorms in Uttarakhand and thunderstorms in Kerala, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Andhra Pradesh, accompanied by lightning, gusty winds, and rainfall.
Kerala is predicted to face heavy rains until June 6, though the intensity will decrease after Friday in the Western Himalayan region.
Heavy rains and thunderstorms are predicted for southern states, with intense heatwaves elsewhere.In West Bengal, both day and night temperatures are significantly above normal. Kolkata, for instance, saw a minimum temperature of 30.8 degrees Celsius on Friday morning, three degrees higher than usual.
The IMD forecasts hot and humid weather for at least the next three to four days, with heatwave conditions likely in the western districts and sub-Himalayan regions.
Kalimpong’s maximum temperature was recorded at 28.6 degrees Celsius on Thursday afternoon, while Darjeeling saw a high of 25.2 degrees Celsius, 5.5 degrees above normal. In the plains, temperatures exceeded 40 degrees Celsius on Thursday in places like Panagarh (40.3°C), Purulia (41.3°C), Asansol (40.5°C), and Jhargram (40°C).
On June 1, Bihar also experienced intense heat, with temperatures surpassing 40 degrees Celsius in at least 13 locations.
Patna reached 40.9 degrees Celsius, while Khagaria, Bhagalpur, East Champaran, Sheikhpura, and Siwan recorded temperatures ranging from 41.2 to 42.2 degrees Celsius. The heatwave in Bihar is expected to continue over the next few days.