Kolkata hits 43°C in April, breaks 30-year record

• Kolkata experiences its hottest April in 30 years, with temperatures hitting 43 degrees Celsius, eight degrees above normal
• The ongoing heatwave has shattered records for its duration, surpassing previous benchmarks set over the past 15 years
• Meteorological experts attribute the extreme weather to a combination of climatic factors and urban heat island effect

The scorching heatwave gripping Bengal has shattered records dating back three decades, with temperatures soaring to unprecedented heights, especially in the state capital, Kolkata. According to reports from the Meteorological Department's regional headquarters in Alipore, Kolkata's minimum temperature has spiked to a staggering 43 degrees Celsius, a deviation of nearly eight degrees above the normal range. This marks the hottest April recorded in the past 30 years, surpassing even the notorious heat belts of Rajasthan.

The Met Department's data reveals a relentless onslaught of heat waves in Kolkata, setting new benchmarks for duration and intensity. The current spell has persisted for an alarming number of days, breaking records set over the past 15 years. Notably, the ongoing heat wave is on track to surpass the previous record set in April 2009, which lasted for nine consecutive days, highlighting the severity of the current weather conditions. Analysts attribute this unprecedented heatwave to a combination of climatic factors and urbanization trends exacerbating the urban heat island effect.