Sultry day continues minus rain in Kolkata and in other parts

Kolkata, June 2 (UNI) As temperature soared in the state, Kolkatans continued to suffer and prayed for rains, though Met office disappointed them.

Although the official date of arrival of monsoon in the state is June 6, Alipore Met office today said that the arrival of the monsoon in the city would be delayed as the monsoon currents were not picking up in this part of the country.

Met officials informed that the sweltering heat would continue to hit the state as thundershowers are likely only in the districts of Malda or the coastal areas of Orissa.

Meteorological department today recorded the maximum temperature of 35.9 degrees Celsius with only one degree deviation, while the minimum recorded was 28.6 degrees Celsius with two degrees deviation.

Maximum humidity was pegged at 85 per cent and the minimum was 66 per cent. However, no rainfall was recorded.

Though Met office recorded temperature in the city at less than 40 degrees Celsius for the past few days, the countings of the electronic boards in different parts of the city recorded temperature above 41 degrees Celsius.

The sultry summer heat has already claimed one life in the city.

The city hospitals recorded a spurt in the number of heat-stroke cases. The number of those affected is even higher in the districts.

Two persons have died within a few days and several others fell sick following heat wave conditions in Purulia district. The maxiumum temperature was recorded at 49 degrees Celsius.

UNI