Kolkata: Pohela Boishakh, the Bengali New Year, is set to arrive with sweltering heat and rising discomfort across South Bengal, as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a yellow alert for heatwave conditions in several districts.

After a brief spell of relief from recent Kalbaishakhi thunderstorms, temperatures are once again climbing sharply, bringing back intense summer conditions just as festive celebrations begin.

According to the Alipore Meteorological Department, temperatures in Kolkata and surrounding districts are expected to rise 3 to 4 degrees Celsius above normal.

The mercury in the city may touch 37°C this week, accompanied by high humidity levels that could make conditions feel even more oppressive.

Dry westerly winds are driving this sudden spike in temperature, reducing moisture and intensifying daytime heat.

Heatwave alert grips South Bengal districts

The IMD has sounded a yellow alert for heatwave conditions in four western districts of South Bengal, West Midnapore, Jhargram, Purulia, and Bankura. These regions are expected to experience particularly harsh weather, with dry heat and uncomfortable conditions prevailing through midweek.

Weather experts warn that the combination of high temperatures and humidity towards the end of the Bengali month of Chaitra will significantly increase discomfort levels.

Residents are advised to avoid prolonged exposure to the sun, stay hydrated, and take necessary precautions during peak afternoon hours.

The prevailing weather systems include an east-west trough extending from northeast Uttar Pradesh to Manipur, along with a cyclonic circulation over northeast Bihar.

This has formed a secondary trough stretching across the northern parts of Gangetic West Bengal into Bangladesh at an altitude of around 0.9 km above sea level.

These conditions are contributing to the persistence of hot and humid weather across the region from April 14 to April 18.

Even as festivities mark the beginning of a new year, the oppressive weather could dampen outdoor celebrations, especially during daytime hours.

Will rain bring relief during Pohela Boishakh?

Despite the heatwave-like conditions, there is a possibility of brief relief in some parts of South Bengal. Between April 14 and April 16, localized cloud formation may trigger scattered light rain accompanied by thunderstorms in several western districts.

Areas including Purulia, Bankura, West Midnapore, Jhargram, West Burdwan, Birbhum, and Murshidabad may witness isolated showers or brief spells of rain. There is also a chance of Kalbaishakhi storms developing in some pockets, bringing gusty winds and lightning.

However, meteorologists caution that these rainfall events are likely to be short-lived and scattered in nature. As a result, they may not significantly bring down temperatures or offer sustained relief from the ongoing heatwave conditions.

Meanwhile, North Bengal is expected to experience a contrasting weather pattern.

Districts such as Darjeeling, Jalpaiguri, and Kalimpong may receive heavy rainfall, while the plains in the region are likely to remain relatively dry.

From Wednesday onwards, moderate rainfall with gusty winds of 30–40 kmph is expected in parts of North Bengal, including Cooch Behar and Alipurduar.

Back in South Bengal, thunderstorms with light to moderate rain may expand to more districts from midweek, including East and West Burdwan and Birbhum. Yet, the overall weather trend suggests that heat and humidity will continue to dominate through the Pohela Boishakh period.

As Bengal ushers in the New Year, residents may have to celebrate under blazing sun and sultry skies, with only fleeting chances of rain offering momentary respite.