Kolkata experienced a peculiar weather phenomenon on Monday, where the real-feel temperature soared higher than that of Jaisalmer, a city in the Rajasthan desert. While Jaisalmer recorded a higher maximum temperature of 44°C, its real-feel temperature — a measure of how the heat feels on the skin — ranged between 37°C and 43°C. In contrast, Kolkata's real-feel temperature shot up to 52°C, despite a maximum temperature of only 35.9°C, which is considered normal for the season.
Why Kolkata Felt Hotter
The stifling conditions in Kolkata were primarily due to high humidity, which peaked at 88% on Monday. According to private weather forecasting service AccuWeather, the combination of normal temperatures and elevated humidity made the heat feel unbearable. Pedestrians were seen rushing for shade, and those at home were sweating and panting.
Deputy Director-General of Meteorology HR Biswas explained, "Winds from the south are flowing in from the Bay of Bengal, carrying moisture. This has led to high humidity. The maximum temperature was normal in Kolkata, but the combination of a continued spell of high temperature and humidity is what made it feel unbearable. Also, Kolkata received thunderstorms at regular intervals until a week back, which kept the mercury in check. So, the present dry and hot spell is seeming more unbearable. Our tolerance levels are also going down."
Forecast for the Coming Days
The scorching spell is expected to persist for at least the next five days. Biswas added, "It could be broken by thunderstorms, which are happening sporadically in south Bengal. But the impact on Kolkata is likely to be minimal over the next five days." The maximum temperature on Tuesday could climb to 36°C.
Thunderstorm Activity in North Bengal
Meanwhile, north Bengal continued to be lashed by thunderstorms. A bulletin issued by the Regional Meteorological Centre on Monday stated, "In view of the favourable wind pattern and strong moisture incursion from Bay of Bengal, enhanced thunderstorm activities are very likely to continue over the districts of north Bengal and some districts of south Bengal."
The bulletin also noted that the southwest monsoon has advanced into "some more parts of Southwest and Southeast Bay of Bengal, most parts of Andaman Sea, entire Andaman & Nicobar Islands and some parts of Eastcentral Bay of Bengal." North Bengal is set to receive more severe thunderstorms over the next few days.
