Heat wave in Kolkata

Kolkata, Apr 21 (ANI): Soaring mercury levels made life miserable for people in Kolkata as they grapple with the heat wave.he scorching heat has made life miserable for those who have no option but to work in the sun.

"I have never experienced this abnormal temperature of 41 degrees especially in middle of April. There is no possibility of rain for at least for the next few days. So it has become unbearable, but still we have to come out. We can't avoid it," said J. Chowdhury, a resident.

In order to beat the heat, the residents are opting for lemonades and soft drinks, which are having a brisk sale in Kolkata.

"I used to sell the drinks worth rupees 3000 and rupees 4000 daily, but due to this heat the sale of the soft drinks has increased. The sale has reached between rupees 5000 and rupees 6000," said Radhe Shyam Kumar, a shop owner.

According to the weather officials, the weather would continue to warm for at least next two days in West Bengal.

"No respite will be there for the next 48 hours for West Bengal particularly. The main reason for this discomfort or high temperature is due to the lack of sufficient moisture in the atmosphere. The moisture that is generally available in the atmosphere has been driven away by the recent cyclone 'Bijli' from our state," said G.C. Debnath, Director, Regional Meteorological Centre, Alipore.

The mercury has risen to 41 degree Celsius on Tuesday, which is supposed to be the highest temperature in April during the last ten years in Kolkata. (ANI)