South Bengal Sizzles: Temperatures Soar To 38°C On Holi

Axel S�rensen

3 min read

Post on May 04, 2025

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Record-Breaking Temperatures Across South Bengal

This year's Holi in South Bengal was marked not only by vibrant colours but also by record-breaking heat. The intense heatwave brought temperatures far exceeding the average for this time of year, posing significant challenges to residents and disrupting traditional festivities.

Kolkata Feels the Heat

Kolkata, the heart of West Bengal, felt the full brunt of the heatwave. Temperatures in various parts of the city consistently hovered around 38°C, with some areas even exceeding this mark. This is significantly higher than the average Holi temperatures recorded in previous years.

• Alipore: 38.5°C
• Dum Dum: 39°C
• Salt Lake: 37.8°C

This surpasses the previous record high for Holi in Kolkata, set in 2010 at 37.2°C, highlighting the severity of this year's heatwave. The forecast for the following days predicts only a slight decrease in temperature, with highs remaining above 35°C.

Other Affected Districts

The extreme heat wasn't confined to Kolkata; several other districts in South Bengal experienced similarly high temperatures, disrupting daily life and affecting vulnerable populations.

• Howrah: 37°C, experiencing power outages due to increased demand.
• Hooghly: 36.5°C, reporting increased cases of heat exhaustion.
• North 24 Parganas: 38°C, with schools briefly suspending outdoor activities.

The elderly, children, and individuals with pre-existing health conditions were particularly vulnerable to the extreme heat. Many reported disruptions to daily routines and a decrease in outdoor activities across the region.

Impact of the Heatwave on Holi Celebrations

The intense heat significantly impacted the traditional Holi celebrations across South Bengal. The usual exuberance was tempered by concerns about health and safety.

Altered Festivities

The sweltering conditions forced many to alter their Holi plans. The usual extended outdoor celebrations were shortened, and many opted for indoor gatherings or limited participation in the traditional colour play.

• Shorter playing times: Many events ended early to avoid prolonged exposure to the sun.
• Reduced participation: Some individuals, particularly the elderly and children, avoided the festivities altogether.
• Increased hydration breaks: Organizers provided more frequent hydration breaks and shaded areas at events.

Health Concerns

The extreme heat during Holi raised serious health concerns. Prolonged exposure to the sun significantly increased the risk of heatstroke, dehydration, and sunburn.

• Heatstroke cases: Several cases of heatstroke were reported from across South Bengal, leading to hospitalizations.
• Dehydration: Many individuals experienced severe dehydration due to excessive sweating and inadequate fluid intake.
• Sunburns: Many participants suffered from severe sunburns requiring medical attention.

Government Response and Public Awareness Campaigns

In response to the heatwave, the West Bengal government issued several advisories urging people to take precautions against extreme heat. Public service announcements emphasized the importance of hydration and sun protection.

• Heatwave warnings: The meteorological department issued regular updates and warnings about the ongoing heatwave.
• Public health advisories: The health department released guidelines on preventing heatstroke and dehydration.
• Cooling centers: Several cooling centers were established in public spaces to provide relief from the heat. [Link to relevant government website if available].

Conclusion

The unprecedented heatwave that swept across South Bengal during Holi resulted in record-breaking temperatures, impacting celebrations and raising significant health concerns. The extreme heat led to altered festivities, increased health risks, and necessitated a government response with public awareness campaigns. Staying informed about the weather forecast and taking preventative measures is crucial during such extreme weather conditions.

Remember to stay hydrated, avoid prolonged sun exposure, and seek medical attention if you experience any heat-related symptoms. Check weather updates regularly, and use the hashtags #SouthBengalHeatwave or #HoliHeatwave to share your experiences and safety tips. Let's prioritize safety and well-being during this South Bengal heatwave.