Orange Alert :heatwave in Kolkata and several West Bengal districts

Ahead of Poila Baosakh, the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), Kolkata has released a warning of heatwave between April 12 and 16 in Kolkata, South and North 24 Parganas, Howrah, Hooghly, East Burdwan, Midnapore and parts of north Bengal. 

Temperature to increase further by 2-3°C between April 12-16

The maximum temperature in Kolkata soared up to 41 degrees Celsius on Friday, making it the hottest day of the year for the city so far. As per a forecast from Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC), Kolkata, city residents will continue to face the sweltering heat till April 16 with the day temperatures likley to near 40-42 degrees Celsius by mid-week. The weather foreacters have not ruled out the posssibility of a heatwave in the near future.

The RMC also issued an advisory for people to take precautions against the “hot and uncomfortable” weather. It said that a continuous warm spell without any rain for up to two weeks in April is unusual.

According to the IMD special bulletin, an orange alert has been announced for the districts of south Bengal during April 12-16. Heatwave condition is very likely to prevail. For north Bengal, except hilly areas, a yellow warning has been announced. The weather is going to be hot with discomfort between the same period. Mainly dry Westerly/northwesterly wind is prevailing over the region. Meteorological conditions suggest that maximum temperature is likely to rise (gradually) by 2-3º C, stated the official bulletin.

Sanjeev Banerjee, deputy director-general of the Indian Meteorological Department at Alipore, said this afternoon, “The temperature in Kolkata is likely to touch around 42°C on April 15. People are advised to take necessary precautions against the predicted heatwave.”

The possible impacts of the heat wave are as follows: 

• Heatwave condition is very likely
• Heatwave is of moderate concern for general public but severe health concern for vulnerable people like infants, elderly, people with chronic diseases, people exposed to sun for prolonged period or doing heavy work
• Heat cramp, heat rash is likely
• Drying of plants of vegetable is very likely
• Heat injury is likely to livestock
• High Fever
• Sun stroke
• Dehydration

The possible remedies of the heat wave

• Rest in a cool place. Getting into an air-conditioned building is best.
• Drink cool fluids. Stick to water or sports drinks.
• Fruits, lemon Juice, Aam Panna ,Butter milk
• Try cooling measures. If possible, take a cool shower, soak in a cool bath or put towels soaked in cool water on your skin.
• Loosen clothing.
• Opt for Cotton Clothes
• Over your face with mask, head gear etc

News Mania Desk / represented photos from Getty Images and internet