Rain, thundershowers to provide respite to Bengal

The regional weather Office on Wednesday said that rain and thundershowers would bring relief to the state in the next few days as the state capital reeled under sultry conditions at 36 degrees Celsius and a humidity percentage of 85.

Light rain and thundershowers are likely to bring some relief to the eastern state from the searing heat and humidity in the next few days, a Met official said.

Bankura in the south-western part of West Bengal registered the maximum temperature of 41 degrees Celsius.

In Kolkata, a section of taxi drivers pulled their off roads in the afternoon and hand rickshaw-pullers found it challenging to find passengers as most people stayed indoors.

Air-conditioned buses and the underground Metro railway were the preferred modes of transport.

To beat the heat, children have taken up swimming lessons during the vacations while many families are travelling to hill stations.

Up north in Darjeeling, thundershowers made a pleasant day for tourists who enjoyed the comparatively cooler atmosphere at 19 degrees Celsius.

Four deaths were reported in the heat wave conditions this month in West Bengal. The four people are suspected to have suffered heat strokes.