Kolkata, April 19 -- With political temperatures rising in West Bengal ahead of the Assembly elections, the mercury is also set to climb in the southern districts by three to four degrees over the coming week, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said on Sunday.
There is unlikely to be any significant change in maximum daytime temperatures across the districts of north Bengal over the next seven days, the IMD added.
Due to anticipated dry westerly and north-westerly winds at lower levels, coupled with seasonal solar heating, hot and humid conditions
are expected to prevail in parts of south Bengal until April 23.
The IMD forecasts a gradual rise in maximum daytime temperatures by three to four degrees Celsius over the next four days across all districts of south Bengal, followed by no major change for the subsequent three days.
The West Bengal Assembly elections are scheduled to be held in two phases on April 23 and 29, with counting of votes on May 4.
Despite the hot and humid weather, political leaders from various parties continue to hold campaign meetings and rallies across the state.
Among the western districts, Purulia and Asansol recorded maximum temperatures exceeding 39 degrees Celsius, while Panagarh
and Bankura registered temperatures above 37 degrees Celsius, according to IMD data.
Kolkata recorded a maximum temperature of 34.2 degrees Celsius and a minimum of 28 degrees Celsius.
Meanwhile, rain and thundershowers have been forecast for the sub-Himalayan districts, which witnessed significant rainfall in the 24 hours ending at 8.30 am on Sunday.
Darjeeling recorded 56 mm of rainfall, while Kalimpong received 46 mm, the IMD said. WITH INPUTS FROM AGENCIES
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.